René Muschter
Research Expert covering Industry & Mobility
Mining industry in the DR Congo - statistics & facts
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) maintains its position as a major contributor to the global mining industry. The extractive industry accounts for more than half of the country’s GDP, which is around 31.6 trillion Congolese francs, roughly 10.9 billion U.S. dollars. This signifies the heavy dependence of the country on mining. Cobalt is one of the key minerals in the country. In 2024, the country held six million metric tons in cobalt reserves, more than three times higher than Australia, the second-largest country in global cobalt holdings. In the same year, it produced nearly 76 percent of the world’s cobalt. As the demand for cobalt continues to rise globally, driven by its use in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices, the country's vast reserves play a crucial role in meeting these needs. Additionally, its mineral wealth extends beyond cobalt to include substantial reserves and production in copper, diamond, and other non-ferrous, ferro-alloy, and precious metals.
