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Mining industry

UAE and DRC Intensify Mining and Investment Cooperation Amidst Growing Global Demand

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is strengthening its mining value chain, particularly in cobalt, tin, and copper production, attracting significant investments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As one of the world's leading cobalt producers, responsible for over 70% of global output, the DRC's mineral potential is being leveraged by UAE investors to unlock the country's estimated $24 trillion worth of mineral resources. The African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will serve as a vital platform for UAE-DRC partnerships, featuring high-level panel discussions and project showcases, and a dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable to connect UAE investors with DRC policymakers and mining stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DRC is the world's leading cobalt producer, responsible for over 70% of global output, and a significant producer of tin and copper, making its mining value chain an attractive investment opportunity for UAE investors.
  • In July 2025, Congolese mining company Buenassa partnered with UAE-based NG9 Holding to develop the DRC's first integrated copper-cobalt refinery, expected to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually.
  • In June 2025, Abu Dhabi's International Resources Holding (IRH) acquired a majority stake in mining firm Alphamin Resources, gaining access to the DRC's Bisie Tin Complex, one of the world's largest and highest-grade tin deposits.
  • IRH's investment in Alphamin Resources is expected to reinforce the DRC's role in the global tin market, with demand projected to grow by 20% by 2035.
  • A panel titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC's Strategic Position in the EV Revolution will connect UAE investors with opportunities in the DRC's expanding critical mineral sector.
  • Beyond mining, UAE investments are also bolstering the DRC's energy infrastructure, with NG9 Holding signing a deal to develop a 46 MW hydropower facility in Haut-Katanga.

Statistics:

  • The DRC's estimated $24 trillion worth of mineral potential is being leveraged by UAE investors.
  • The DRC produces over 70% of global cobalt, and is a significant producer of tin and copper.
  • The Bisie Tin Complex is one of the world's largest and highest-grade tin deposits, responsible for 6% of global supply.
  • Demand for tin is projected to grow by 20% by 2035.
  • The 46 MW hydropower facility in Haut-Katanga will contribute to a total of 166 MW of electricity, helping to secure stable power supply for mining operations in the region.

Sources:

  • African Mining Week: African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa.
  • Energy Capital & Power: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
  • Contify.com: MIL OSI Africa (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com.

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