Congo moves to nationalize geological data, tightening state grip on mining sector

The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an accelerated geological mapping programme, backed by a $180 million deal with Spain’s Xcalibur and collaborations with France, South Africa, the United States, Japan and Belgium, to create a national geological databank by the end of 2026. Led by Raoul Wazenga Vitima of the National Geological Survey of Congo, the system will remain under state control and use a tiered access model that offers basic information for free while charging for high-value datasets.

The policy is presented as a way to safeguard strategic interests, generate revenue for ongoing exploration, and give Kinshasa leverage over where future copper, cobalt, lithium and other critical-mineral projects develop. Analysts warn the move could reshape investment flows in a country that supplies the world’s largest share of cobalt and the second-largest of copper, especially as the United States and China vie for supply. Critics stress that transparent and fair data release will be essential to prevent insider advantage.