Key Minerals in Africa: China’s CRRU Targets Major Copper-Cobalt Project in Kasai Region, Congo

¬ China Railway Resources Group plans to launch a large-scale copper-cobalt project in central Congo through a collaboration with MIBA

¬ The proposal includes mining operations as well as a major energy project integrating hydropower and solar power

¬ Key details such as reserves, financing methods, and ownership structure remain unclear

China Railway Resources Universal Co., Ltd. (CRRU), a Chinese mining group and subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Group—one of China’s largest infrastructure and engineering conglomerates—is advancing a major copper-cobalt project in the Greater Kasai region by partnering with the state-owned mining company MIBA, aiming to expand its strategic footprint in Congo’s critical metals sector.

The proposal was submitted on May 6th before Congolese Minister of Mines Louis Vatumbi Kabamba in the presence of MIBA’s General Director André Kabanza.

According to detailed information provided by the Chinese delegation, the project will be implemented in the Miabi and Kabeya-Kamwanga areas of Maniema Province, Kasai Oriental.

The project's target annual copper production is estimated at between 200,000 and 500,000 metric tons.

The initiative also includes a substantial energy component, integrating hydropower and solar power infrastructure, with an expected generation capacity ranging from 250 megawatts to 500 megawatts.

The Ministry of Mines describes this initiative as a major mining, industrial, and energy development project for the Greater Kasai region, closely aligned with President Félix Tshisekedi’s broader strategy to revitalize the country’s mining and energy sectors.

MIBA Assets Re-Enter the Spotlight

The proposal is partially based on mining assets previously identified by MIBA under earlier agreements.

A contract signed between 2020 and 2021 with mining company Comikas involved several copper-cobalt deposits recorded under MIBA’s licenses in Kasai Oriental Province—including PR 11858, PR 11859, and PE 410.

However, these documents also highlight uncertainties regarding the actual resource potential of the project.

One agreement acknowledges that MIBA lacks sufficient data to determine the grade and reserves of copper-cobalt deposits within the targeted area.

The contract stipulates that further exploration work is required to assess the quantity, quality, and boundaries of potential mineral resources.

Documents also mention exploration activities aimed at identifying copper-cobalt deposits located between the Lukula River and the Lubi River in the northwestern part of the SACIM concession area.

It remains unclear whether these studies have been conclusively completed.

Major Issues Remain Unresolved

Despite the project’s scale, several key details remain undisclosed. Official estimates of mineral reserves have not yet been released; authorities have not disclosed the total project cost, financing structure, development timeline, or future ownership allocation between CRRU and MIBA.

Nevertheless, the Congolese Ministry of Mines stated that discussions have focused on implementation mechanisms. Minister Louis Vatumbi Kabamba reiterated the government’s support for “establishing an investment framework capable of driving national economic transformation.”

According to the ministry, the project is receiving close attention from President Tshisekedi, who hopes it will move forward swiftly.

China Deepens Its Strategic Presence in Congo’s Critical Metals Sector

CRRU is a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Group, one of China’s largest infrastructure and engineering enterprises. Its deepening operations in Congo reflect the Chinese government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening control over strategically significant mining projects linked to the global energy transition.

Demonstration materials associated with the proposal highlight multiple major mining projects already operating in Congo under Chinese support, including Sicomines, the Buzianga Hydropower Station, and mineral processing facilities linked to Chinese investors.

In recent months, copper prices have surged sharply due to accelerating global demand from electric vehicles, data centers, renewable energy infrastructure, and electrification projects. According to the International Energy Agency, copper prices briefly exceeded $14,500 per metric ton in January 2026.

Multiple international organizations, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), have warned that large-scale new mining projects will be essential over the next decade to meet growing global demand.

Source: ecofinagency

Original: toutiao.com/article/1865165150242887/

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