According to the head of the National Geological Survey, the government is fully financing a number of strategically important projects. «We have presented initiatives sponsored by the Congolese state, including exploration in the Katanga 1A block and an aerial geophysical survey that will cover a significant part of the country's territory», said Raul Vazenga Vitima.
The first project is dedicated to the exploration of the Katanga 1A mining site. $16 million has been allocated for this program, which is intended for research and the search for new mineral resources.
The second project includes an extensive aerogeophysical expedition covering the area from Katanga to Congo Central, including the Kasai regions and the province of Quango. The government has allocated $183 million for this initiative. The first project in Katanga 1A has received funding in the amount of $16 million. These funds do not cover aerogeophysical work. Another project, with a budget of about $179 million (including aerogeophysics, geology, cartography, geochemistry and drilling), is being implemented thanks to the initiative of the President of the DRC Felix Antoine Chisekedi Chilombo.
In total, these two projects represent government investments of $199 million, which demonstrates the authorities' desire to deepen knowledge about the country's natural resources and attract additional investments in the mining industry.
Raul Vasenga Vitima believes that these studies have become necessary, as many old deposits in Katanga show signs of depletion. «We are witnessing the depletion of former mines in Katanga. Therefore, it is necessary to continue exploration work in order to discover new deposits and ensure that the DRC meets the requirements of the energy transition». He believes that the discovery of new mineral resources will not only strengthen the DRC's strategic position in the global market for critical metals, but will also provide jobs for Congolese youth. «The discovery of new deposits will create jobs for our youth in the provinces and help meet the growing demand for metals for the energy transition», he said.
The Government is open to international cooperation in the field of geological research. Partnerships with relevant institutions from the United States, South Africa, and Burundi are already being considered to strengthen the country's technical and scientific capabilities. With an investment of about $200 million, the Congolese government plans to create the foundation for a new generation of field discoveries, which will sustainably support the growth of the national economy and the strategic position of the DRC in the global energy transition economy.
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