Congo Tightens Grip on Mining Data as It Builds National Geological Database

The Democratic Republic of Congo is moving to lock down access to geological data that guides exploration across its vast mineral wealth, a step officials say could reshape how future mining discoveries unfold. The country is scaling up airborne surveys, mapping projects and digitisation of old records to build a national geological databank expected to be fully running by the end of 2026. Unlike Australia and other major mining nations that offer free public access, Congo plans to keep the databank under government control and charge for certain data, weighing requests against the country’s strategic interests.

Vast Territory Remains Unexplored

Despite holding some of the richest copper, cobalt and lithium deposits worldwide, only about 20% of Congo has been systematically explored, according to the national geological survey. A $180 million mapping contract with Spain’s Xcalibur is surveying more than 700,000 square kilometers to uncover new exploration targets.

Tiered Pricing and Global Competition

Basic data will remain free, while sensitive datasets carry fees to fund further exploration. The move comes as the US and China both compete for access to Congo’s critical minerals, with officials insisting the same rules apply to investors regardless of origin.