KoBold Metals Expands Presence in DRC with New Leadership Appointment
US-based KoBold Metals, a mineral exploration company backed by high-profile investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, has announced further expansion into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the appointment of Benjamin Katabuka as Director-General for its DRC operations.
KoBold is best known for its data-driven exploration approach, using artificial intelligence to pinpoint untapped mineral resources.
The company has already drawn attention with a bid for the Manono project—one of Africa’s largest known lithium deposits, which also contains significant tin reserves.
Katabuka stated that KoBold plans to apply for licenses to explore key mineral assets in the DRC, including lithium, copper, and cobalt. The move signals the company’s growing confidence in the country’s mining potential.
While expanding into the DRC, KoBold continues to fast-track development of its flagship Mingomba copper project, located just across the border in Zambia’s Copperbelt region.
Mingomba is considered one of the world’s most promising undeveloped high-grade copper deposits. The company expects to begin shaft sinking in early 2026.
KoBold has committed approximately USD 2.3 billion to the Mingomba project, with over USD 300 million projected to be spent by the end of this year on exploration, resource definition, and engineering studies.
The project enjoys strong backing from the Zambian government. President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to eliminate bureaucratic delays to ensure timely development.
With its vast high-grade ore and innovative AI-driven approach, Mingomba is poised to become a significant contributor to the global copper supply chain.
KoBold’s expanding footprint in Central Africa, marked by its new leadership in the DRC and deep investment in Zambia, reflects the company’s ambition to become a key player in the global energy transition through responsible and high-tech mineral exploration.
