Belgium is open to increasing its involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) minerals sector, with its foreign minister emphasizing the country’s readiness to support the development of Congo’s vast mineral resources.
Congo, which boasts significant reserves of copper, cobalt, lithium, and uranium, among other minerals, has faced challenges in attracting foreign investment due to ongoing instability. However, the Congolese government is actively seeking to diversify its investment partners, with talks already underway with the United States after a proposal for a minerals-for-security deal emerged.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, speaking during a visit to Kinshasa, noted that Belgian companies possess the expertise necessary to contribute to the sector’s growth. “We have globally recognized expertise with companies like Umicore and John Cockerill, who are capable of processing critical materials,” Prevot said, highlighting Belgium’s longstanding involvement in the industry.
“If the opportunity arises to also become an investment partner, we will not hesitate,” he added, reaffirming Belgium’s commitment to furthering its role in Congo’s resource sector.
Despite China’s dominant presence, Belgian firms have had a significant role in the Congolese mining, processing, and trading industries for decades. Notably, Belgium-based Umicore signed a deal with state-owned Gecamines last year to ship germanium concentrates to Europe.
Prevot emphasized that Belgium’s partnership with Congo is mutually beneficial, contrasting it with the more transactional approaches of other international actors. He also highlighted his trip to the city of Beni on Tuesday, which is part of a broader mission to raise awareness of the ongoing human rights concerns, particularly in Congo’s eastern regions, where the army is currently battling Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
