Congo Expands State Control Over Critical Minerals Information
What Happened
The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to tighten state control over geological data used in mining exploration by creating a national geological databank. The government is accelerating mapping and surveys of mineral-rich areas and intends to manage access to the database, charging for some information and restricting access based on its “strategic interests.”
Key Takeaways
As the world's largest cobalt producer and a major copper supplier, Congo is seeking greater control over information that could determine future mineral discoveries. The move could strengthen the government's bargaining power with international miners and reshape competition for critical minerals needed in batteries and clean-energy technologies.