DRC Signs Mining Deal with KoBold Metals to Boost Exploration

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a big step forward in developing its mineral wealth and attracting responsible global investment. On July 17, 2025, in Kinshasa, the DRC government and KoBold Metals, a U.S.-based mining company, signed a new cooperation agreement focused on mineral exploration and economic growth.

This deal comes just weeks after a peace agreement was signed between Congo and Rwanda, backed by the United States, showing that diplomacy and development can go hand in hand.

What Is KoBold Metals?

KoBold Metals is an American mineral exploration company supported by major investors, including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. The company uses advanced artificial intelligence and geological technology to find and develop critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel, the kinds of minerals that power electric vehicles, smartphones, and batteries.

KoBold is already interested in the Manono lithium deposit, one of the largest known lithium reserves in the world. But now, their ambitions go further, toward new exploration zones across the country.

What Does the New Agreement Say?

The agreement signed in Kinshasa includes 7 key points. Here are the most important:

1. Digitizing Congo’s mineral data: KoBold will work with the DRC’s National Geological Service to make old mining data available to the public, helping scientists, companies, and the government.

2. Launching a large-scale exploration program: KoBold will use world-class technology to search for valuable minerals across over 1,600 square kilometers of land, making it one of the largest mineral exploration efforts in DRC history.