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Critical Minerals, Power and Infrastructure Finance in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo produced about 75% of the world's cobalt in 2024 and is the second-largest producer of mined copper, so most infrastructure finance there is tied to mining, the power mines need, and the routes to export their metal. Investors must manage high political, legal, security, and compliance risk, and check current export rules, such as the cobalt export quotas in place since October 2025.

Updated

How is the power sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo set up?

SNEL (Société Nationale d'Electricité) is the state utility. The 2014 Electricity Law opened the sector to private producers, with the Autorité de Régulation du secteur de l'Electricité (ARE) as regulator.

Mines in the Copperbelt provinces of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba are the largest power users. Many build or contract their own power supply.

The 2018 Mining Code raised royalties and allows the state to name some minerals, such as cobalt, as strategic substances. ARECOMS regulates the market for strategic minerals.

Key projects and programmes

These are public, well-documented examples from the sources below. They show how the market works.

  • Copper and cobalt mines in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba, many run by international mining companies.
  • Inga hydro power stations on the Congo River, and plans to expand them.
  • Export routes for metal, including the Lobito Corridor through Angola and routes through Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa.
  • Cobalt export rules: exports were suspended in February 2025, and a quota system started on October 16, 2025.

How are projects financed?

Mining projects are financed by the mining companies, offtake-linked prepayments from metal buyers and traders, and loans from banks, DFIs, and export credit agencies.

Power for mines often comes from captive plants, imports, or private hydro and solar projects with PPAs signed directly with mines.

What should investors, lenders, and off-takers check?

Common checks include:

  • Sanctions screening. The United States, EU, and UN have sanctions linked to the DRC, and some people and companies in the mining sector are designated.
  • Responsible sourcing and supply chain checks, including artisanal mining and conflict mineral rules.
  • Current cobalt export quotas and other export rules.
  • Security in the project area, especially in the east of the country.
  • Title to mining rights and the terms of any state partner.

Where does Vektron Merchants fit?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the six countries covered by the Vektron Merchants African Gateway. Vektron Merchants is a marketing agency for energy, commodities, infrastructure financing and industrial firms. We find buyers, offtakers, lenders and partners for companies in these four industries, and we secure meetings with the people who sign.

Frequently asked questions

How much of the world's cobalt comes from the DRC?

The US Geological Survey estimates the DRC produced about 75% of the world's cobalt in 2024.

Does the DRC limit cobalt exports?

Yes. Exports were suspended in February 2025, and a quota system run by ARECOMS started on October 16, 2025. Check the current rules before any deal.

Sources

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General information, not investment, legal or tax advice. Facts are from the public sources listed and may change.