DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is pursuing a value-chain strategy centered on cobalt, positioning itself to control higher-margin processing and refining stages rather than exporting raw ore. This shift challenges traditional supply chain structures and gives a major cobalt producer direct leverage over downstream battery and electronics manufacturers.

The Lobito Atlantic Railway reopened a flood-damaged section connecting the DRC to the port of Lobito after approximately two months of closure, restoring exports of central African copper and minerals. Restoring this corridor reduces logistics bottlenecks for African mineral supply chains serving global battery and EV demand.

Rome Resources has begun small-scale tin mining at its Kalayi project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to satisfy regulatory requirements for converting its exploration permit into a full mining licence. The initiative aims to facilitate an increase in the company's ownership stake in the PEPM 13274 licence, advancing tin production in Central Africa.