Belgium expressed a willingness to increase its involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining sector, according to Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who is now visiting the resource-rich African country. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is actively attempting to expand its network of investment partners in order to fully realise the promise of its enormous mineral deposits, which include copper, cobalt, lithium, uranium, and germanium.
Despite its mineral richness, the country continues to face political instability and security risks, particularly in its eastern parts, discouraging steady foreign investment. Nonetheless, Kinshasa is looking into new collaborations and has begun conversations with the United States in response to a Congolese senator’s suggestion for a minerals-for-security arrangement.
Speaking to Reuters, Prevot emphasised Belgium’s industrial skills, citing companies like Umicore and John Cockerill as examples of corporations capable of processing rare and crucial materials. He stated that Belgium would be willing to become a more active investor if the opportunity arises.
Belgian firms have long been involved in Congo’s mining industry, including Umicore’s recent arrangement with state-owned Gecamines to sell germanium to Europe. Prevot also distinguished between Belgium’s collaborative approach and the transactional nature of other international entities.
