DRC: Louis Watum Kabamba Showcases Congolese Mining Potential at the China Mining Conference
The Democratic Republic of the Congo intends to strengthen its presence on the international mining scene. The country is participating in the China Mining Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 12, 2026, in Tianjin, China, with a delegation led by the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba.
Having arrived in Beijing, the Congolese delegation is preparing to take part in this major gathering of the mining industry, which serves as a platform for exchanges between governments, investors, mining companies, and stakeholders across the natural resources value chain.
Promoting the DRC’s Mining Strengths
The DRC’s presence at this conference is part of an effort to promote its mining potential. The country possesses significant resources, particularly copper and cobalt, two strategic minerals for the energy transition industries and modern technologies.
Through its participation, Kinshasa aims to further highlight the opportunities offered by its mining sector and draw the attention of international investors to the possibilities for developing and processing resources in the DRC.
However, the challenge is no longer limited to mineral extraction. For the Congolese authorities, the development of the sector must progressively make it possible to create more value locally, particularly through processing, infrastructure development, and greater involvement of Congolese companies.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
The China Mining Conference also provides an opportunity for the DRC to consolidate its relations with Chinese stakeholders in the mining sector. China plays an important role in global critical mineral supply chains and represents a major partner for several producing countries.
Minister Louis Watum Kabamba’s participation should therefore provide an opportunity to present the direction of Congolese mining policy while exploring new opportunities for cooperation and investment.
For Kinshasa, the objective is to promote partnerships capable of contributing to the sustainable development of the sector, job creation, and increased economic benefits for the country.
From Extraction to Value Creation
Beyond international visibility, the DRC’s participation in Tianjin comes at a time when the country is seeking to derive greater benefit from its natural resources. The challenge now is to transform its geological advantage into a genuine driver of economic development.
China, through its weight in global industry and its expertise in several segments of the mining value chain, remains a strategic partner. The discussions held during the conference could therefore pave the way for new prospects for cooperation between the two countries.
From September 10 to 12, the DRC will therefore seek to make its voice heard in Tianjin: that of a country with considerable mining potential, but which now aspires to better develop its resources for the benefit of its economy and its population.
Héritier Maila
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