DRC Mines Minister Calls on US Investors to Support Local Processing of Critical Minerals
DRC Showcases Critical Minerals at USAfrica Business Week in New York
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took center stage at the 8th edition of USAfrica Business Week, where Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba participated in a high-level roundtable on trade and critical minerals between the United States and Africa.
The forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, and industry experts to address the energy transition and the sustainable supply of strategic resources.
DRC’s Central Role in the Green Economy
In his remarks, Minister Watum underscored the strategic importance of the DRC in the global green economy. The country is the world’s leading producer of cobalt and the second-largest producer of copper, with additional reserves of lithium, tantalum, and other critical minerals vital for clean energy and digital technologies.
He noted that the DRC’s natural resources are valued at over USD 24 trillion, positioning the country at the heart of global sustainable development strategies.
“Our resources are an essential lever for fueling the global energy transition, particularly in the production of batteries and clean technologies,” he said.
From Extraction to Local Transformation
Minister Watum emphasized the Congolese government’s commitment to shifting from a raw mineral export model to local processing and value addition.
The government aims to attract investment in refining and production facilities within the DRC, a move designed to create jobs, strengthen the national industrial base, and reduce climate impacts.
He urged American investors to strengthen economic partnerships with the DRC under a transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial framework, echoing the country’s preference for a “win-win” cooperation model.
Commitment to Responsible Mining
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s pledges to uphold mineral traceability, environmental protection, workers’ rights, and fair resource use. These commitments, he said, are crucial to ensuring a responsible and internationally compliant supply chain.
By highlighting both its vast resources and reform-driven policies, the DRC positioned itself as a strategic and reliable partner in powering the global energy transition.
