The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving to tighten state control over geological information used by mining companies, as the government seeks greater influence over future exploration of the country’s critical-mineral reserves.
Raoul Wazenga Vitima, director general of the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGNC), said Tuesday that a national geological databank is being developed to consolidate information from geological mapping, airborne surveys and digitised historical records. The system is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
Vitima said the government would retain control over access to the databank because the geological information generated through the programme constitutes a “strategic asset” of the state.
Basic information will be free, while access to more sensitive datasets will attract fees, with requests assessed against investors’ needs and the country’s strategic interests.
The move follows a $180 million, three-year contract with Spanish geodata company Xcalibur that began in January. Vitima said the programme will survey more than 700,000 square kilometres using airborne geophysics, digitised geological data and advanced analysis to identify new exploration targets.
The SGNC estimates that only about 20 per cent of Congo has undergone systematic exploration, despite the country’s major deposits of cobalt, copper, lithium, tantalum and gold.
Vitima said revenue from sensitive geological datasets would help finance continued exploration and mapping, while greater control of the information could help Congo diversify investors and strengthen its position when negotiating future mining projects.
