China gains ground in DR Congo’s mining sector as Australian firm loses permits

Two significant decisions within eight days made by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo reflect the current state of its mining industry, where Chinese companies have emerged as preferred partners.On March 19, DR Congo’s Mining Registry announced the cancellation of mining permits held by Australia’s AVZ Minerals for non-payment of surface rights fees.It was the second cancellation in three years suffered by the company in DR Congo after its Manono lithium concession was revoked by the government in 2023. It has 30 days to appeal the latest decision.Then, on Thursday in Beijing, DR Congo’s Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba and China’s Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhiou signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for “cooperation in the fields of geology and mineral resources”.The pact will involve regular consultations between their state institutions, compliance with DR Congo’s laws and regulations, and protection of investments.“This memorandum establishes a structured framework for cooperation,” Kabamba said in a statement on Friday.