The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is accelerating its push to take greater control of its mineral wealth, significantly increasing planned copper exports to the United States to 500,000 tonnes—five times higher than the initial commitment announced earlier this year. The move highlights the country’s growing ambition to play a more influential role in global critical mineral markets while securing stronger returns from its mining sector.
The initiative is being driven by state-owned miner Gécamines in partnership with Mercuria Energy Group, with financial backing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. It focuses on copper derived from Gécamines’ minority stakes in major operations such as Kamoto Copper Company and Tenke Fungurume Mine—one of the world’s richest copper-cobalt deposits.
Shift Toward Greater Commercial Control
This expansion reflects a broader strategy by the DRC to move beyond passive shareholding and take a more active role in marketing its mineral output. Gécamines is working to convert its equity stakes into physical copper volumes that it can sell directly, gradually building its own trading capabilities.
While Mercuria currently remains the seller of record, the long-term objective is to establish an independent marketing arm. Industry experts note that achieving this will require significant investment in financing, logistics, insurance, and risk management, as well as deeper integration into global commodity markets.
Record Production Meets Rising Demand
The DRC’s copper production reached approximately 3.5 million tonnes in 2025, cementing its position as the world’s second-largest supplier after Chile. This growth is being driven by strong global demand linked to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and expanding data centre infrastructure—all of which depend heavily on copper and other critical minerals.
Strategic Reserve for Cobalt and Critical Minerals
In parallel, the government has introduced a national reserve for cobalt and other strategic minerals, managed by ARECOMS. The agency has been granted authority to acquire, store, and market designated minerals, enabling the state to stockpile surplus production and intervene more directly in global markets.
The reserve will initially include cobalt and germanium, with the potential to expand to other minerals over time. Officials say the initiative builds on earlier measures, including export restrictions and quotas, aimed at stabilizing prices and protecting national interests.
Tightening Supply to Influence Markets
Producing around 70% of the world’s cobalt, the DRC holds considerable leverage in global supply chains. Recent policies have already reduced exports, with shipments dropping significantly compared to the previous year as the government moved to manage oversupply.
Under the current system, 10% of cobalt exports are reserved for strategic use, with unused volumes redirected to the national reserve. This approach gives the government a powerful tool to influence global supply and pricing dynamics.
Balancing Western and Chinese Influence
The DRC’s mining sector remains heavily dominated by Chinese companies, including CMOC Group Limited, Zijin Mining Group, and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt. These firms control a significant share of copper and cobalt production.
However, Kinshasa is increasingly seeking to diversify its partnerships by attracting investment from Western players. Backed by U.S. and European financing institutions, new investors are exploring opportunities in the DRC as part of a broader effort to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals.
Expanding State Participation in Copper Sales
The Congolese government holds a 30% stake in the Kamoto operation, with Gécamines authorized to market up to half of its copper output in 2026 and 2027. This arrangement allows the state to recover value from previously unsold volumes while strengthening its position in international markets.
If successful, the model could be extended further, reinforcing the government’s long-term strategy to increase revenues, enhance oversight, and assert greater control over one of the world’s most important mineral-rich economies.
