The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a nationwide airborne geological mapping programme aimed at improving knowledge of its mineral resources, reducing exploration risks and attracting investment into underexplored regions.
Known as PC2G-RDC, the programme will use high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys to map the country’s subsurface and identify areas with potential mineral deposits.
The National Geological Service of Congo (SGNC) is implementing the programme with technical support from Spanish geophysics company Xcalibur.
The survey will focus on Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu and Greater Kasai, building on geological work already completed in Greater Katanga.
Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba said the programme would increase the DRC’s geoscientific coverage from 22.27% to 46.1%.
Authorities estimate that less than 10% of the country has been thoroughly explored, despite the DRC being the world’s largest cobalt producer and Africa’s leading copper producer.
The mapping is expected to modernise geological datasets, identify new prospective areas and provide a stronger scientific basis for exploration and resource development.
However, airborne anomalies will require further ground-based exploration to confirm the presence and extent of mineral deposits.
The initiative also forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen state control and knowledge of the country’s geological information.
The expanded data is expected to help the government plan resource development and improve its position when negotiating future mining investments.
SGNC Director General Raoul Wazenga Vitima said the programme would strengthen the country’s ability to generate and interpret its own geological information, while supporting the development of local expertise, laboratories and scientific infrastructure.
The mapping programme is expected to improve understanding of mineral potential beyond the established Copperbelt and support the DRC’s efforts to attract exploration into new regions.
