Raoul Wazenga Positions DRC for Energy Transition Boom with $199 Million Exploration Program
DRC Invests Nearly $200 Million in Geological Exploration as Raoul Wazenga Targets New Critical Mineral Discoveries
The Congolese government is stepping up efforts to secure the future of its mining industry through major investments in geological research and mineral exploration.
Speaking at a press conference held on Monday in Lubumbashi, Raoul Wazenga Vitima, Director General of the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGNC), outlined the government’s ambitious exploration programs aimed at identifying new mineral deposits to support the global energy transition and create employment opportunities for local communities.
According to Wazenga, several strategic projects are currently underway with full funding from the Congolese state, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening knowledge of the country’s mineral resources.
“We presented the projects financed by the Congolese government, including the exploration program in the Katanga 1A block and the airborne geophysical survey project that will cover a significant portion of the national territory,” he said.
Major Investments in Geological Research
The first initiative focuses on the exploration of the Katanga 1A mining block, a project that has received funding of US$16.152 million to support geological studies and the identification of new mineral potential.
The second and largest initiative is a nationwide airborne geophysical survey extending from the former Katanga region to Kongo Central, passing through the Kasai region and Kwango Province.
This large-scale project will include airborne geophysics, geological mapping, geochemical analysis, and drilling activities.
According to Wazenga, the government has allocated approximately US$183 million to this program.
“The Katanga 1A exploration project is financed at US$16.152 million. This amount does not include the airborne geophysical work.
An additional US$183 million has been allocated for airborne geophysics, geological mapping, geochemistry, and drilling activities, in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo,” he explained.
Combined, the two projects represent a public investment of nearly US$200 million, underscoring the government’s determination to expand geological knowledge and attract greater investment into the mining sector.
Addressing Resource Depletion and Future Demand
Wazenga stressed that intensified exploration has become increasingly important as several historic mining districts in Katanga approach resource depletion.
“In Katanga, we are observing that some of the older mining deposits are gradually being exhausted.
This makes continued exploration essential so that new deposits can be discovered, and the DRC can respond to the growing demands of the global energy transition,” he said.
As demand for critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and other energy-transition metals continues to rise worldwide, the discovery of new deposits will be vital to maintaining the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic position in global supply chains.
Creating Jobs and Strengthening International Cooperation
Beyond boosting mineral production, Wazenga emphasized the potential economic benefits for local communities, particularly young people seeking employment opportunities.
“When new deposits are discovered, they create opportunities for jobs and economic development in our provinces.
This is also part of our contribution to meeting the increasing global demand for critical minerals,” he noted.
The Director General further revealed that the government remains open to international partnerships in geological research and exploration.
Discussions are already underway with specialized institutions in the United States, South Africa, and Burundi to enhance the country’s scientific expertise and technical capacity.
Through these investments, the Congolese government aims to lay the foundation for a new generation of mining discoveries capable of supporting long-term economic growth, strengthening national revenues, and consolidating the DRC’s position as a key supplier of critical minerals for the global energy transition.
