DRC Reasserts Strategic Control Over Mining Amid Surging Global Demand

As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, driven by electric vehicles, battery storage, defense systems, and AI-enabled energy infrastructure, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking decisive steps to reposition itself from a fragmented, price-taking supplier to a strategic actor in global supply chains. Recent announcements by President Félix Tshisekedi mark one of the most consequential restructurings of the Congolese mining sector in years. Given the DRC’s dominant role in cobalt and its growing importance in copper and other transition metals, these reforms warrant close attention from long-term investors.

Key Policy Measures Reshaping the Sector

1. Reclaiming Control of Mining Assets

The government has reclaimed nearly 30,000 mining titles previously held by inactive operators or speculative land hoarders. This clean-up of the mining cadastre aims to restore transparency, improve asset quality, and return viable projects to the market. From an investor perspective, this signals a shift away from opaque licensing toward a more disciplined allocation of mineral assets, potentially expanding exploitable resources by an estimated 10-15% over the medium term.

2. Prioritizing Geological Knowledge

Authorities have designated 36,000 km² for new geological research. This reflects a strategic pivot from extraction-first policies toward data-driven exploration, improved mineral mapping, and alignment with international technical standards. For serious operators, improved geological data reduces early-stage risk and supports more efficient capital deployment.

3. Cobalt Export Quotas and Market Power

The planned introduction of cobalt export quotas represents a significant policy shift. As the world’s leading cobalt producer, the DRC is seeking to reduce exposure to external price volatility, strengthen its negotiating position, and encourage domestic processing and value addition. If effectively implemented, this approach could materially increase the DRC’s influence in supply chains critical to EVs, batteries, and clean technologies, mirroring strategies used in other strategic commodity markets.

4. Securing Strategic Zones

The classification of Masisi and Kamas as “red zones” aims to curb illegal mining, dismantle parallel economies, and protect high-value deposits. Beyond security, this move is intended to safeguard fiscal revenues and reinforce state authority over strategic resources.

Global Demand Context: Why This Matters Now

The timing of these reforms is notable. Global demand for cobalt, copper, and related minerals is projected to grow sharply over the next decade as energy systems electrify and digital infrastructure expands. At the same time, governments and OEMs are prioritizing supply-chain security, traceability, and ESG compliance. In this context, the DRC’s efforts to assert greater strategic control reflect an attempt to move up the value chain, away from volume-driven exports toward structured participation in global industrial ecosystems.

Alignment with the U.S.–DRC Strategic Partnership

These domestic reforms are unfolding alongside the U.S.–DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement, which emphasizes:

• Securing critical minerals supply chains

• Promoting responsible sourcing and ESG standards

• Encouraging local processing and industrial development

• Facilitating private-sector–led investment through transparent frameworks

While the U.S.–DRC partnership focuses on de-risking capital and integrating Congolese minerals into U.S.-aligned supply chains, the government’s reforms focus on sovereignty, coordination, and market discipline. Together, they point toward a more structured and rules-based investment environment.

CIG Perspective: Opportunity with Execution Risk

At Congo Investment Group, we view these reforms as directionally positive for long-term investors with technical depth, governance discipline, and a patient approach to capital. However, outcomes will depend on:

• Transparent implementation

• Predictable enforcement

• Institutional capacity to manage quotas and licensing

Without these, the reforms risk remaining symbolic. With them, the DRC could materially improve its position in global critical-minerals markets and unlock sustainable value for both the state and credible private partners.

Bottom line: Global demand is rising, policy frameworks are aligning, and the DRC is signaling a more strategic posture. The next phase will favor investors capable of translating policy momentum into bankable, responsible projects on the ground.