The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Central Africa as a whole, is a region rich in mineral resources playing a pivotal role in global mining. The DRC in particular holds significant reserves of cobalt, copper, lithium, and other critical minerals essential for modern technologies. Recent developments in the region’s mining sector reflect a complex interplay of economic opportunities, geopolitical factors, and socio-environmental challenges. XANDERLEIGH DOOKEY reports.

The DRC’s role in the global battery and mining industry

The DRC holds a substantial amount of the world’s cobalt reserves, a key material in lithium-ion batteries. According to a study published by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), DRC is central to global efforts to develop a sustainable battery value chain. Since 2021, the DRC has taken significant steps to establish a regional battery industry, driven by rising global demand for key battery minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium.

These efforts align with the global push for decarbonisation and the increasing investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. The DRC’s vast mineral wealth, particularly its dominance in cobalt production, places it at the heart of this transition, making it a strategic player for global powers such as the European Union (EU), the United States (US), China, and fossil fuel economies like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), in 2022 the DRC was the world’s largest cobalt miner with a production of 130 000 tons, or nearly 68% of the world’s cobalt. In the same year, DRC was also the fourth largest producer of industrial diamonds with a production of 4.3 million carats.

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ITA also says the country boasts some of the highest quality copper reserves globally, with some of the mines estimated to contain grades above 3%, significantly higher than the global average of 0.6 – 0.8%. This has led to increased interest from international mining companies, drawn to the DRC’s copper belt in the south due to its high-grade and low-cost mines. DRC’s gold mining sector is also witnessing renewed interest from mining companies. In 2021 the production of mining resources increased from 10 000 tons to nearly 1 million.

Building a battery industry: Progress and challenges

The DRC and Zambia share the Central African Copperbelt (CACB), a region rich in copper and cobalt. These countries are actively working to transition from being extractive economies to industrialised players in the battery value chain. The DRC designated cobalt as a strategic mineral in 2018, signalling its intent to capture more value from its mineral wealth.

The geopolitical significance of the DRC’s mineral wealth has grown, particularly amid global tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war. China has long been a dominant player in the DRC’s mining sector, securing access to copper and cobalt resources to fuel its domestic industries.

This has prompted responses from the US and the EU, which have signed agreements to strengthen partnerships with the DRC and Zambia. In December 2022, the US joined the two countries’ efforts to develop a battery industry, while the EU has initiated critical mineral partnerships and infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor railway to improve export routes.

However, the growing influence of China remains a key factor. In 2023, both the DRC and Zambia elevated their relationships with China to ‘comprehensive partnerships’, highlighting the complex dynamics of global competition for critical minerals.

Prospects for mineral processing and industrialisation

Expanding mineral processing and refining capacity is critical to the DRC’s battery industry ambitions. The study by APRI shows that while Zambia had announced plans to begin EV battery production last year, in partnership with China, the DRC’s processing sector remains underdeveloped. Significant investments are needed in infrastructure, technology, and workforce training to establish a competitive mineral refining industry.

While the country has made strides toward industrialising its mineral sector, challenges related to governance, infrastructure, and foreign investment remain. By addressing these issues and leveraging international partnerships strategically, the DRC can move beyond raw material exports and establish itself as a leader in the global battery industry.

To fully capitalise on its mineral wealth and establish a sustainable battery industry, the DRC must address several key challenges:

1. Strengthening local value chains – Developing, refining and processing infrastructure will allow the DRC to retain more economic value from its mineral resources rather than exporting raw materials.

2. Improving governance and transparency – Improving transparency in contract negotiations, revenue distribution, and mining operations is critical to ensuring equitable benefits for the population.

3. Building local technical capacity – Investing in education and workforce training will equip local communities with the skills needed for battery manufacturing and mineral processing.

4. Diversifying international partnerships – The DRC should maintain a balanced approach to foreign investment, ensuring that geopolitical rivalries do not undermine its longterm economic interests.

5. Addressing social and environmental concerns – Stronger regulatory frameworks are needed to manage artisanal mining, environmental protection, and social equity in the mining sector.

Challenges of illegal mining and environmental concerns

Illegal mining operations present significant challenges in the DRC, often linked to armed groups and smuggling networks. These activities not only deprive the country of substantial revenues but also perpetuate violence and human rights abuses.

In 2023, Finance Minister Nicolas Kazadi said the DRC lost almost US$1 billion a year in minerals illegally smuggled into Rwanda alone. Efforts to formalise the mining sector and enforce regulations are ongoing, aiming to curtail illegal activities and ensure that mining benefits local communities.

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Environmental degradation resulting from unregulated mining practices also poses additional concerns. Deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution have adverse effects on biodiversity and public health. Addressing these environmental issues requires comprehensive policies that promote sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship.

Future outlook

With the global shift towards renewable energy and electric mobility expected to increase demand for minerals like cobalt and lithium, the mining landscape in the DRC and Central Africa is poised for significant transformation. However, realising the full potential of the mining sector depends on addressing security challenges, implementing regulatory reforms, and creating an investmentfriendly environment.

Sustainable development of the mining sector requires balancing economic growth with social and environmental considerations. Ensuring that mining activities contribute to local development, protect the environment, and operate transparently, will be key to harnessing the region’s mineral wealth for the benefit of its people.

By navigating the complex interplay of global demand, geopolitical interests, and local realities, the region has the opportunity to transform its mineral wealth into a catalyst for sustainable development and regional prosperity.