The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is intensifying efforts to recover millions of colonial-era geological maps and mining records currently held in Belgium.
The government says access to the data is essential for identifying new deposits of copper, cobalt, lithium, and other critical minerals.
Talks with Belgium and the European Union
DR Congo’s Mines Minister, Louis Watum Kabamba, recently met with Belgian and European Union officials to discuss the digitisation and transfer of the records, according to the Luxembourg Times.
The archive is housed at the Royal Museum for Central Africa near Brussels and contains geological maps, field reports, aerial photographs, rock samples, and exploration documents collected during Belgian colonial rule between 1885 and 1960.
Congolese authorities believe the records could play a major role in discovering untapped mineral deposits that are increasingly important for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced technologies.
Strengthening “geoscientific sovereignty”
A spokesperson for DR Congo’s mining ministry said the government wants to move quickly into the implementation phase because much of the country remains unexplored.
“There is a need to accelerate the discovery of new mineral deposits,” the spokesperson said. “A very large part of DR Congo has not yet been explored.”
Following the discussions, officials agreed to create a joint roadmap for digitising and returning the records. A task force will also be established to oversee the process.
According to africabusinessinsider.com, the ministry described the initiative as an important step toward strengthening DR Congo’s “geoscientific sovereignty” and making the country’s mining sector more competitive and attractive to investors.
DR Congo tightens control over cobalt
The effort to regain control of geological data comes as Kinshasa increases oversight of the country’s mineral exports, particularly cobalt.
In February 2025, DR Congo suspended cobalt exports after oversupply caused prices to fall and reduced government revenues.
The export ban was later replaced in October 2025 with a quota system that limits exports to 96,600 tonnes annually for 2026 and 2027.
The measures were designed to reduce oversupply, stabilise prices, and strengthen DR Congo’s influence over the global cobalt market. The country currently produces about three-quarters of the world’s cobalt supply.
While the restrictions helped boost cobalt prices, they also tightened supply for refiners, especially in China, and increased interest in cobalt-free battery technologies.
KoBold metals deal faces delays
Before DR Congo renewed its push for the records, US exploration company KoBold Metals signed an agreement with the government in 2025 to help digitise the archive.
KoBold Metals is backed by investors, including Bill Gates. However, the company has not yet received access to the records stored in Belgium.
Belgian officials argued that the museum could not grant exclusive access to millions of Congolese geological documents to a foreign private company.
Instead, the museum plans to oversee the digitisation process itself and gradually transfer digital copies to Congolese authorities.
A Belgian government spokesperson said the project is already underway with support from the European Union.
“Digital copies are being sent to the relevant Congolese authorities gradually,” the spokesperson said.
Wider African push to modernise geological data
DR Congo’s initiative reflects a broader effort across Africa to modernise geological records and attract mining investment.
In South Africa, the Council for Geoscience has partnered with mining company BHP to unlock historical datasets and strengthen mineral exploration.
The European Union-backed PanAfGeo+ programme is also supporting African geological agencies with mapping, data management, and technical training.
DR Congo joined the PanAfGeo+ INVEST initiative in March 2026 to expand cooperation on geological data and critical mineral exploration.
Meanwhile, French mining company Eramet has partnered with technology firm Lithosquare and France’s national geological service, BRGM, to use artificial intelligence to speed up the discovery of critical minerals, with an initial focus on Africa.
Colonial legacy and strategic minerals
The dispute has renewed attention on Belgium’s colonial history in DR Congo and the continuing commercial value of geological information gathered during that period.
Congolese officials argue that recovering the records is essential for strengthening national control over mineral exploration, improving investment decisions, and increasing the country’s influence in the global critical minerals industry.
