DR Congo to Establish National Geological Databank to Increase State Control Over Mining

The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to create a comprehensive national geological databank to tighten state control over the geological data that guides billions of dollars in mining exploration. The initiative involves accelerating geological mapping, airborne surveys, and the digitization of historical archives to reduce exploration risk and extend state influence over future mineral discoveries. Raoul Wazenga Vitima, director general of the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGNC), stated that the data generated constitutes a strategic asset of the state.

A key component of the plan is a $180 million contract with Spain's Xcalibur that began in January. This project uses airborne geophysics and advanced analytics to survey more than 700,000 square kilometers. The databank is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026. Unlike some other major mining jurisdictions, the DRC intends to keep access in state hands. The system will be tiered: basic information will be free, while access to sensitive datasets will require a fee and be assessed against the strategic interests of the country.

This move occurs as the DRC, the world's largest cobalt producer and second largest copper supplier, is at the center of competition between the United States and China for critical minerals. While both superpowers have separate agreements with Kinshasa, Vitima asserted that the database is not intended to favor either nation and that the goal is to diversify the investor base.

Outlets with center and center left leans framed the move as a bid to lock down data and tighten the government's grip on the sector. In contrast, the center right lean outlet framed the event as the launch of a national mapping tool for critical minerals.