Democratic Republic of the Congo and China Deepen Mining Ties Amid Global Minerals Race

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcoming DRC President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo during a visit to Beijing in 2023. Credit: China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs via X

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has strengthened its strategic partnership with China through a new mining cooperation agreement, underscoring intensifying global competition for critical minerals essential to the energy transition.

As the world’s leading producer of cobalt—and a major source of copper, lithium, and coltan—the DRC sits at the centre of the global supply chain for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. This latest agreement signals a deepening of Beijing’s already significant footprint in the country’s mining sector.

Expanding Cooperation in Mining and Processing

The new deal focuses on strengthening collaboration across key areas, including geological data sharing, investment protection, and the development of local processing capacity. A major priority is ensuring that more raw materials are processed within the DRC rather than exported in unrefined form—an important step toward increasing local value addition.

Chinese firms such as CMOC Group, Zijin Mining, and Huayou Cobalt already play a dominant role in the country’s mining landscape, and the agreement is expected to reinforce that position.

A flagship project set to benefit is the MIFOR iron ore development in northeastern Congo, which has been identified for priority support.

Strategic Trade and Investment Dynamics

The agreement also aligns with broader trade developments. From May 2026, Congolese exports will gain duty-free access to China under a framework covering dozens of African countries, further strengthening trade flows between the two partners.

At the same time, the deal introduces mechanisms to improve transparency and regulatory compliance, reflecting Kinshasa’s efforts to create a more stable and predictable investment environment.

US-China Competition Intensifies

The move comes as the United States steps up efforts to secure access to critical minerals. Washington has already signed a strategic partnership with the DRC aimed at boosting Western investment and reducing reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains.

This has created a competitive dynamic, with both global powers seeking influence over one of the world’s most resource-rich nations.

A Balancing Strategy by the DRC

Despite growing geopolitical rivalry, the DRC appears to be pursuing a multi-partner strategy rather than aligning exclusively with any single power. By engaging both China and the United States, the government is aiming to maximise investment, diversify partnerships, and accelerate development of its vast mineral resources.

This approach also reflects broader national priorities, including:

• Expanding local processing and industrial capacity
• Increasing revenue from natural resources
• Strengthening economic resilience

The Bigger Picture

The deepening ties between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and China highlight the country’s central role in the global energy transition. As demand for battery minerals continues to rise, competition for access is likely to intensify.

For the DRC, the challenge will be turning this geopolitical interest into tangible economic gains—ensuring that its vast mineral wealth translates into industrial growth, infrastructure development, and long-term prosperity.