The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving to strengthen government control over geological information used by mining companies to identify and develop mineral deposits, in a move that could significantly increase the state’s influence over future mining projects.
The country is accelerating geological mapping, airborne surveys and the digitisation of historical records as it works to establish a comprehensive national geological databank. The initiative is designed to improve knowledge of Congo’s mineral resources, reduce exploration risks and strengthen the government’s position when negotiating with mining companies.
Congo is one of the world’s most important sources of critical minerals. It is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and the second-largest supplier of copper, while also holding significant deposits of lithium, tantalum and gold.
Despite its mineral wealth, however, much of the country remains poorly explored. The National Geological Survey of Congo estimates that systematic exploration has covered only about 20% of the country’s territory.
$180 million mapping project
The government’s effort received a major boost this year when a $180 million contract with Spanish geodata company Xcalibur began in January.
The project involves surveying more than 700,000 square kilometres using airborne geophysical surveys, digitised geological information and advanced analytical techniques. The goal is to identify potential mineral deposits in areas that have received little exploration.
Raoul Wazenga Vitima, director general of the National Geological Survey of Congo, said the results of the mapping programmes would be incorporated into the national geological databank, which is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026.
Unlike countries such as Australia, where large amounts of geological information are generally available to the public, Congo plans to keep control of its databank in government hands.
Basic geological information will be available free of charge, while companies seeking access to more sensitive datasets will have to pay. Requests for certain information will also be assessed based on the government’s strategic interests.
Congo wants greater control over its mineral future
The government argues that geological information should be treated as a strategic national asset.
Having better information about where valuable deposits are located could help Congo attract investment while reducing the information advantage traditionally enjoyed by mining companies with greater technical resources.
It could also give the government more leverage when negotiating mining agreements, particularly as global competition for critical minerals intensifies.
The United States and China are both seeking greater access to Congo’s supplies of minerals such as cobalt and copper, which are important for batteries, electric vehicles and other technologies.
Congo says its geological databank will not favour either country. Instead, officials say the government wants to diversify its investor base and apply the same rules to companies regardless of where they come from.
A strategic resource beyond cobalt and copper
The government’s decision comes after Congo demonstrated how much influence it can have over global mineral markets.
In 2025, the country introduced restrictions on cobalt exports before moving to a quota system. The measures helped push the cobalt market from surplus into deficit and contributed to a significant rise in prices.
Some analysts believe controlling geological information could eventually become an even more powerful tool because it could influence where exploration companies invest and which mineral deposits are developed in the future.
Congo’s cobalt reserves are estimated at around 6 million tonnes, representing more than half of known global reserves, according to figures cited from the US Geological Survey.
The country also has partnerships with several international geological and mining organisations, including France’s BRGM, South Africa’s Council for Geoscience and US-based KoBold Metals.
Transparency will be closely watched
While the government says greater control will protect Congo’s strategic interests and generate revenue that can be reinvested into geological exploration, some industry participants favour wider access to geological data.
KoBold Metals, for example, has made more than 260,000 pages of Congo’s historical geological records publicly available. Supporters of open access argue that transparent geological information can encourage more companies to explore and invest.
The main challenge for Congo will therefore be ensuring that the new system is transparent and fairly administered.
If access to valuable geological information is handled fairly, the government could gain stronger negotiating power and attract a wider range of investors. But if companies believe certain players are receiving privileged access, the policy could discourage investment.
For now, Congo is betting that controlling its geological information will help it move from simply being a major supplier of critical minerals to having greater influence over where, how and by whom its future mineral wealth is developed.
