DRC: Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba Represents the Country at the First Global Ministerial Meeting on Critical Minerals in Washington

The DRC at the heart of the global energy transition

His Excellency Mr. Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), participated this Wednesday in the First Ministerial Meeting on Critical Minerals, organized by the Government of the United States of America in Washington, DC.

The high-level meeting brought together official delegations from more than fifty countries, highlighting the growing strategic importance of critical minerals in the global economy and the energy transition.

A strong message on behalf of the highest Congolese authorities

Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Republic, and Her Excellency Ms. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister, the Minister welcomed the U.S. initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation around responsible, sustainable, and transparent supply chains for critical minerals.

He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to playing a leading role in global mining governance, based on fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

The DRC, a strategic pillar of critical minerals

In his address, Minister Louis Watum Kabamba underscored the central and irreplaceable role of the DRC in the global energy transition, noting that:

• The DRC accounts for more than 70% of global cobalt production, a key component in electric vehicle batteries

• Approximately 10% of global copper production originates from the country

• Mining exports exceeded USD 25 billion in 2024, confirming the sector’s major economic contribution

Exceptional and largely untapped geological potential

The Minister also highlighted the country’s vast unexplored geological reserves, which represent over 90% of the national mining potential.
These resources are estimated to be worth more than USD 25 trillion, positioning the DRC as one of the world’s most resource-rich territories in strategic minerals.

This endowment gives the DRC a crucial responsibility in securing global supply chains while offering unprecedented investment opportunities.

Toward stronger international cooperation

The DRC’s participation in this ministerial meeting marks a significant step in its mining and economic diplomacy. It reflects the country’s determination to strengthen its position as a key global partner in the energy transition, while ensuring that mineral resource development contributes sustainably to national development.µ

JOSHMISHUMBI