DRC, KoBold Ink Landmark Deal for Lithium Exploration

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and U.S.-based mining company KoBold Metals have signed a preliminary agreement for large-scale mineral exploration.

The agreement was signed on July 17 in the presence of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, by Kizito Pakabomba, DRC Minister of Mines, and Benjamin Katabuka, Director at KoBold.

The deal centers on the Manono lithium deposit, one of the world’s largest, with KoBold committing over $1 billion to secure lithium supply for Western markets. The company also plans a broader nationwide exploration program using advanced AI-driven technology to identify critical mineral deposits suitable for large-scale mining.

As part of its initial efforts, KoBold will begin digitizing geological archives at the Royal Museum for Central Africa by the end of July. It also intends to submit applications for exploration permits covering more than 1,600 km² of Congolese territory within the same timeframe.

“The aim is to unlock the full potential of the DRC’s mineral wealth through innovation and international collaboration,” said Katabuka.