China Mining Conference: The DRC commits to processing its minerals locally

Kinshasa, September 10th, 2026 (ACP) – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reaffirmed on Thursday in Tianjin, China, at the opening of the China Mining Conference and Exhibition, its commitment to attract foreign investors in order to process its minerals locally, according to a press release received by the ACP. “In Tianjin, led by the Minister in charge of Mines, Louis Watum, the DRC has reaffirmed its ambition not merely to extract and export its minerals, but to gradually build a genuine Congolese mining industry, based on processing, industrialization, skills development and the creation of local value,” it is read. According to the press release, the Congolese delegation is actively participating in this major international event, which brings together governments, mining and industrial groups, financial institutions, researchers, experts and investors from a wide range of backgrounds. Held under the theme ‘Win-win, green and smart cooperation’, the 28th edition of this conference offers the DRC a platform to present its vision of a mining sector more focused on industrialization, job creation, skills development and improving people’s living conditions. The Minister in charge of Mines, quoted in the press release, has emphasized the need to accelerate the local processing of minerals, create skilled jobs, promote technology transfer and strengthen the involvement of Congolese companies in mining value chains. “For the DRC, the challenge now is to gradually transition from an economy based mainly on the export of raw materials to a mining economy that creates added value and drives industrialization,” it is read. According to the source, Mr. Watum has highlighted the complementarity between the DRC’s immense mineral potential and Chinese expertise in several strategic areas, notably industrialization, mineral processing, infrastructure, technology and logistics. The DRC–China Forum, dedicated to opportunities for cooperation and investment in the mining sector, was another highlight of the visit. The source has stated that several bodies under the supervision of the Ministry in charge of Mines, notably the Mining Cadaster (CAMI), the General Direction of Quarries and Mines (Gecamines) and the Mining Fund for Future Generations (Fomin), have presented their remits, areas of activity and the various opportunities available to partners and investors, with a view to provide greater insight into the Congolese mining ecosystem and fostering the development of partnerships capable of contributing to the sector’s sustainable development. ACP/