This year marks the 20th anniversary of DRC Mining Week—the largest mining event on the Copperbelt and a key fixture in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining calendar. Themed “20 Years of Shaping Mining in the DRC – Investing in Infrastructure Development and Energy Security: Vision 2025–2030”, the 2025 edition underscores the sector’s evolution and its strategic direction toward sustainable growth and global relevance.

A timeline of growth
Simon Tuma Waku, Mining Consultant at Mining and Business Consulting, reflected on the event’s two-decade journey.

“The DRC Mining Week began in 2004 as iPAD (Infrastructure Partnership for African Development) DRC Mining and Infrastructure in Kinshasa,” said Waku. “It evolved from modest beginnings into a major industry event reflecting the growth of the DRC’s mining sector.”

Waku highlighted key milestones in the event’s development:

• 2012: A pivotal shift occurred with the installation of a large tent at the Kasumalesa border to accommodate growing attendance, driven by a determined team of women leaders.
• 2014: Formal sponsorship and the first Mining Awards in Kinshasa signalled a maturing industry.
• 2016: The event consolidated in Lubumbashi, rebranded as DRC Mining Week, aligning with the regional mining hub and simplifying logistics.

He said despite thriving through 2019, the Ebola outbreak disrupted operations, leading to cancellations in 2020 and a less impactful virtual event in 2021. However, the live format made a strong return in 2022, restoring vital face-to-face networking.

“The event made a strong comeback in 2022, reaffirming the vital role of in-person engagement in the mining industry. Its trajectory reflects not only the sector’s expansion but also the importance of resilient leadership, strategic adaptation, and community-driven efforts in sustaining its relevance and success,” added Waku.

Vision 2025–2030
In his welcome address, Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director at VUKA Group, reaffirmed the event’s purpose.

“For 20 years, DRC Mining Week has served as a platform for dialogue, investment, innovation, and partnerships,” he said. “We celebrate the DRC’s resilience and progress while exploring clean energy challenges and opportunities that are critical to the future.”

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The 2025 event emphasises deeper engagement on energy security and infrastructure development as essential pillars of long-term industry sustainability.

Unlocking potential in DRC
Patience Mpofu, CEO of Insight Mining Experts Pty, Australia, noted the strategic importance of the DRC in the global energy transition.

“The DRC is home to some of the richest deposits of critical minerals like cobalt and copper—essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and digital technologies,” said Mpofu.

She outlined the gap between potential and realisation:

• The country is estimated to possess $24–$30 trillion worth of minerals.
• Systemic issues—governance instability, infrastructure deficits, high energy costs, and artisanal mining risks—hinder progress.

Mpofu stressed that the country stands at a “once-in-a-lifetime” juncture.

“To emerge as a global mining superpower, the DRC must make strategic choices that promote transformation rather than aextraction,” she stated. “This means attracting long-term investments, improving infrastructure, and addressing ESG risks for shared prosperity.”

Adding to the strategic dialogue, Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of Minerals Council South Africa, reinforced the importance of mining as a transformative force for the entire continent.

He said the 20th anniversary of shaping mining in the DRC through Vision 2025–2030 of investing in infrastructure development and energy security is a significant milestone for Africa. The DRC’s copper and cobalt reserves are critical to electrification and battery manufacturing. With projects like Inga Dam, the country could unlock hydropower potential that would fast-track Africa’s decarbonisation.”

The Inga Dam project is a proposed series of seven hydroelectric power stations at the Inga Falls in the DRC.

Mthenjane also called for the recommitment to the African mining vision, transparent and equitable exploitation of mineral resources, local value addition and job creation, leadership from Africa and cooperation from global partners.

“With the first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil this November, Africa has a rare opportunity to shape global financial reform, amplify its voice, and position the Global South as a partner in international decision-making,” he added.