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DRC

The DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) is a central African nation and the second-largest country on the continent by area. Its capital is Kinshasa, and the country has a population exceeding 100 million people. The DRC possesses one of the world's richest endowments of natural resources, including vast reserves of cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, coltan and other critical minerals that underpin its economy. Mining is the dominant sector, with the country supplying more than two-thirds of global cobalt production, a metal essential for electric-vehicle batteries and renewable-energy technologies. The DRC's mineral wealth has attracted major international mining companies, including Glencore and other multinational operators, though the sector faces challenges related to infrastructure, governance and artisanal mining practices. The country uses the Congolese franc as its currency and is a member of the Southern African Development Community and the African Union. Political instability, armed conflict in eastern regions and regulatory uncertainty have historically complicated investment, yet the DRC remains a strategic supplier of critical minerals to global markets. The nation gained independence from Belgium in 1960 and was known as Zaire between 1971 and 1997 before reverting to its current name.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

Glencore advances DRC copper stake sale and land deal

Glencore CEO Gary Nagle describes 2025 as a year of significant progress, highlighting the finalisation of the Kamoto Copper Company land access package with Gécamines, which unlocks a life-of-mine extension and a pathway to about 300 000 t/y of copper output. The company has also signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to potentially sell 40% of its interests in its DRC copper and cobalt assets to the US government-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium.

SANDF withdrawal from DRC mission sparks accountability calls

The Democratic Alliance says Defence Minister Angie Motshekga's withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force from the UN MONUSCO mission in the DRC was overdue, citing prior failures in force protection, logistics and combat readiness during the SAMIDRC deployment. The party is demanding full parliamentary briefings and a credible plan to rebuild defence capacity.

Regional equipment suppliers expand into DRC market

South African manufacturer Werner Pumps says its high-pressure jetting and vacuum equipment is operating successfully across the region, including in the DRC, alongside South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. The company, which is expanding its dealer network in Namibia, says locally manufactured equipment offers municipalities and industrial customers in the region a more affordable, better-supported alternative to imports from Europe.

DRC Updates


Werner Pumps Strengthens Namibian Footprint
Werner Pumps Strengthens Namibian Footprint
13th July 2026

  (Virtual Showroom) Werner Pumps is deepening its presence in Namibia as growing demand for reliable wastewater maintenance equipment produced in the southern African region continues to grow.  


AEW's Power Africa Today to Spotlight Energy’s Role in Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness
AEW's Power Africa Today to Spotlight Energy’s Role in Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness
3rd July 2026

The policy conversation across Africa is shifting from basic electrification toward interconnection and industrial enablement. More than 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access... 


Pirtek Africa: Growing With the Continent
Pirtek Africa: Growing With the Continent
2nd July 2026

Africa is not short of opportunity, however it is short of reliability. Across mining operations, agricultural holdings, construction sites, manufacturing plants, forestry concessions and more, one... 


Africa urged to shape its own voluntary carbon market framework as demand grows
Africa urged to shape its own voluntary carbon market framework as demand grows
12th June 2026 By: Shannon de Ryhove

As global demand for carbon credits continues to expand, African countries have a significant opportunity to position themselves as major participants in voluntary carbon markets, provided they can... 


Globally rated Metals & Mining Analyst and Portfolio Manager Shamim Mansoor.
Turning wealth in ground into wealth for South Africa’s people is a must, says analyst
26th February 2026 By: Martin Creamer

South Africa is at a pivotal juncture. It can choose to remain a supplier of raw commodities that enrich other countries or become a global leader in mineral‑based industries, says globally rated... 


Glencore CEO Gary Nagle.
Glencore hails 2025 as year of significant progress
18th February 2026 By: Martin Creamer

In Wednesday's preliminary results report, Glencore CEO Gary Nagle hails 2025 as a year of significant progress, marked by a strong operational performance, continued portfolio optimisation and... 


G20Lens analysis, Glencore, Harmony Gold make headlines
G20Lens analysis, Glencore, Harmony Gold make headlines
31st October 2025

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer discusses South Africa's thin-incentive critical minerals strategy, according to G20Lens analysis; Glencore's cobalt strategy as the cobalt export ban lifts in... 


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