The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formed a new partnership with U.S.-based mining company Kobold Metals to explore and develop its vast lithium reserves, a resource vital for the global shift toward clean energy.
The agreement, signed at the Cité de l’Union Africaine in Kinshasa in the presence of President Félix Tshisekedi, represents a major step in Congo’s strategy to modernize its mining sector and attract high-tech, sustainable investments.
Congolese Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba and Kobold Metals’ DRC Director Benjamin Katabuka signed the deal, which focuses on exploration in the Manono region of Tanganyika Province—an area believed to hold one of Africa’s largest lithium deposits.
Kobold Metals, known for its use of advanced artificial intelligence and geospatial data to identify mineral-rich areas, will help digitally map Congo’s vast geological resources. This effort will improve transparency and make mineral data more accessible to both local and international stakeholders.
The partnership is also aimed at increasing local employment and skill-building, with Kobold committing to invest in infrastructure and prioritize hiring and training Congolese workers.
“This partnership is a signal of investor confidence and a milestone in our vision for sustainable mineral development. We are committed to investing in infrastructure, hiring locally, and building skills among Congolese youth,” said Benjamin Katabuka, Director of Kobold Metals DRC.
Kobold Metals is supported by top U.S. venture capital firms and backed by tech billionaires including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. The company has earned recognition for deploying cutting-edge AI tools to uncover untapped mineral reserves across the globe.
This initiative aligns with Congo’s broader goal to become a leader in value-added mineral production, particularly in critical resources like lithium, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries and other green technologies.
“This partnership is a signal of investor confidence and a milestone in our vision for sustainable mineral development.” – Benjamin Katabuka, Director of Kobold Metals DRC said.
