EGC Reports Strong Exploration Results in DRC’s Tombolo and Kanunka Blocks
Enterprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) has announced promising exploration results from its leases in the Tombolo and Kanunka blocks in Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In collaboration with Cobalt for Development (C4D) and funded by BASF, BMW, Samsung SDI, STIHL, and Volkswagen Group, EGC has initiated a comprehensive exploration program.
This includes geological mapping, surface and subsurface soil and rock sampling, and drilling target identification
Initial analyses show significant mining potential for copper and cobalt in the Tombolo and Kanunka blocks, which cover a total area of 2.51 km² and 1.72 km².
At Tombolo, cobalt content is ten times higher than the regional average, with average contents of 0.14% copper and 0.07% cobalt, and maximum values of 2.84% and 1.16%, respectively.
Tombolo is categorized as a “high-grade” deposit. A targeted drilling program is planned to estimate mineral resources and conduct a feasibility study.
This exploration is part of EGC’s strategy to develop a responsible artisanal mining model. In February 2024, EGC signed an agreement with Gécamines for exclusive rights to these mining squares, enabling better oversight of artisanal mining activities.
Under the guidance of Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume, pilot sites will promote small-scale, ethical artisanal mining, contributing to the formalization of this sector, which is crucial for creating sustainable jobs and improving community living conditions.
Eric Kalala, EGC’s Managing Director, stated that the results reaffirm the potential of the Tombolo and Kanunka leases. EGC aims to strengthen local economies through the formalization of the artisanal sector, aligning with the government’s 2024-2028 action program.
EGC’s efforts focus on improving working conditions, ensuring worker safety, and enhancing production traceability. Chairman Gino Buhendwa Ntale emphasized the importance of controlling mine access to protect vulnerable populations and provide safer working environments.
About EGC
Founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of Gécamines, Entreprise Générale du Cobalt is a state-owned mining company mandated to streamline the artisanal mining sector and enhance the regulation of cobalt and strategic minerals in the DRC. Given the DRC’s status as a leading cobalt producer, EGC plays a vital role in the global cobalt market, crucial for energy transition and advanced technologies.
