KINSHASA, DRC — Belgium has expressed interest in deepening its involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) vast mineral sector, following a visit by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot.
The DRC, which boasts large reserves of critical minerals like copper, cobalt, lithium, and uranium, is currently facing significant challenges in attracting foreign investment due to ongoing instability and security concerns.
Speaking on Monday, Minister Prevot highlighted Belgium’s longstanding expertise in mining and processing materials such as cobalt, copper, and diamonds, citing major Belgian companies like Umicore and John Cockerill.
These firms have the technical know-how to boost the country’s mineral sector, which has long been underdeveloped despite the nation’s mineral wealth.
“We have globally recognised expertise with players like Umicore and John Cockerill, who have the capacity to process all these rare critical materials,” Prevot said, adding that Belgium would be open to further collaboration if the right opportunities arose.
Despite China’s dominance in the region, Belgium has been involved in the DRC’s mineral extraction and processing industries for decades.
Last year, Umicore, a Belgium-based global materials technology group, signed a deal with state-owned miner Gecamines to ship germanium concentrates to Europe.
The Belgian government has signaled a commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the DRC, contrasting its approach with that of other international players who may adopt a more transactional stance.
Prevot emphasized that Belgium’s interest in DRC’s resources would not only benefit Belgium but also help the DRC address its development needs.
Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels, but the government in Kigali has consistently denied these allegations, framing its military operations in the DRC as a defensive response to armed groups based on Congolese territory. ynews.digital/newsflash/pres…
The DRC is keen to diversify its foreign investment partners, as it continues to face security challenges, especially in the eastern provinces, where the army is engaged in an ongoing offensive against the M23 rebels, who Rwanda allegedly backs.
Prevot’s visit to the city of Beni on Tuesday also underscored Belgium’s concern for the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
The DRC’s government is actively seeking new investment to fully unlock the potential of its rich mineral resources and has initiated talks with the United States on a potential minerals-for-security deal, following the proposal from a Congolese senator.
