Western Companies Finally Challenge China in African Copperbelt

 Reuters published on 18 February 2024 an article titled "West Challenges China's Critical Minerals Hold on Africa" by Andy Home.

China's CMOC Group is the world's largest producer of cobalt and has significant investments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Western, including American, mining companies are beginning to challenge Chinese dominance in Africa's Copperbelt in the DRC and Zambia.  In addition, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is funding a transportation project that will link the Copperbelt mines directly with the Atlantic Ocean.  

DRC Reviewing Chinese Mining Contracts

 The East African published on 11 April 2023 an article titled "DR Congo to Audit and Review 'Unfair' Chinese Mining Contracts" by Patrick Ilunga.

The DRC has begun to review mining contracts with Chinese companies to ensure improved revenue collection.  Chinese companies have earned at least $10 billion from contracts in the past decade while the DRC has benefitted from only $822 million of infrastructure construction.  

China-Democratic Republic of Congo Dispute over Cobalt/Copper Deal

 Reuters published on 17 February 2023 an article titled "Congo Demands $17 Bln More in Infrastructure Investment from China Deal."

The DRC's state auditor is demanding an additional $17 billion in investment from a 2008 infrastructure deal with Chinese investors in exchange for Congolese cobalt and copper.  China's embassy in Kinshasa said it was shocked by the request, adding it does not correspond to reality.  

Cobalt, China, and the DRC

 The South African Institute of International Affairs published in May 2022 a study titled "Blue Metal Blues: Cobalt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and China" by Christian-Geraud Neema Byamungu.

Avoiding a zero sum game between China and the West is an important first step as the DRC develops a geostrategic approach to its near monopoly of the world's supply of cobalt.  This situation creates a high level of dependence and poses a risk of instability for the cobalt industry.  

Congo, Corruption, and China

 The Sentry published in November 2021 a study titled "The Backchannel: State Capture and Bribery in Congo's Deal of the Century."

DRC state enterprises used a middleman with accounts at the bank run by former President Kabila's brother to pump tens of millions of dollars into the pockets of the Kabila family, their associates, and businesses at crucial junctures in what are known as the Sicomines agreements.  Chinese corporations colluded with power plays in the DRC to secure access to billions of dollars' worth of natural resources.