Kolwezi, DRC – Mining in Motion
Kolwezi, nestled in the heart of the DRC’s famed Katanga Copperbelt, remains a linchpin of global copper and cobalt production. Key industrial players include:
- KOV (Kamoto Copper Company) — A major open-pit operation run by Glencore (75%) and Gécamines (25%), prized for its exceptionally high-grade copper ore.
- Kolwezi Copper Mine — Operated by Zijin Mining, this major asset delivers roughly 120,000 tonnes of copper and 2,000 tonnes of cobalt annually.
- Deziwa Mine, situated 35 km east of Kolwezi, is a large-scale copper-cobalt venture managed by China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group (51%) and Gécamines (49%). It holds estimated reserves of 4.6 million tonnes of copper and 420,000 tonnes of cobalt.
- Pumpi Mine, another operational site about 70 km east, is a joint venture between China’s Wanbao Mining (75%), Morocco’s Managem (20%), and Gécamines (5%), producing both copper and cobalt.
- Musonoi Mine, operating since the 1940s, remains active in extracting copper, cobalt, manganese, uranium, and rare mineral assemblages.
Resumption and Expansion of Activity
In May 2024, the DRC lifted a freeze on the COMMUS mine (controlled by Zijin) after radiation concerns were addressed, allowing full resumption of production—129,000 tons of copper and 2,200 tons of cobalt were produced in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex is poised for renewed growth. As of June 2025, underground operations have resumed on the western side, with dewatering underway for eastern sections.
Kolwezi Tomorrow: Opportunities on the Horizon
A Surge in Foreign and Private Investment
Recent data shows that Congo attracted $130.7 million in exploration investment in 2024, more than any other African country—and now ranks 20th globally.
This demand reflects the exceptional ore grades and untapped economic potential of the Kolwezi region.
At the upcoming DRC Mining Week 2025, policymakers, investors, and innovators will converge to explore these transformative opportunities.
Infrastructure & Energy—Unlocking Growth
- The Lobito Corridor rail project, backed by the U.S., EU, and G7, is set to link Kolwezi’s mining region directly to Angola’s Atlantic port—shortening export routes to the Western markets.
- Meanwhile, the Kolwezi Solar Power Station, a proposed 100 MW solar plant, promises to modernize energy access and support industrial-scale mining with stable renewable power.
Employment & Economic Development
The mining sector—the DRC’s major employer—is projected to generate over 200,000 new direct jobs by 2030, particularly in Kolwezi and Lubumbashi regions. Such expansion promises meaningful economic uplift if matched with fair labor conditions.
A Closer Look: What Lies Ahead for Kolwezi
| Area | Current Snapshot | Looking Forward |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Operations | Active mines (KOV, Kolwezi, Deziwa, Pumpi, Musonoi) | Kamoa-Kakula expansion, commodity resumption |
| Investment Climate | Strong Chinese presence, rising Western interest | Record exploration investment, DRC Mining Week spotlight |
| Infrastructure | Limited localized connectivity | Lobito Corridor rail + solar energy development |
| Job Market | Stable base of mining jobs | Up to 200k new jobs by 2030 |
| Power Supply | Unreliable electricity for mining | Solar plant to unlock reliable energy access |
Final Reflections
Kolwezi stands at a strategic inflection point. Its abundant copper and cobalt reserves continue to fuel global energy transitions, and growing international interest—especially in greenfield investment—could yield significant economic dividends. Infrastructure initiatives like the Lobito Corridor and solar energy rollout are key to sustaining this growth.
But the road ahead must be tread carefully. Ensuring transparency, enforcing living wages, protecting communities, and upholding environmental standards will determine whether Kolwezi’s mineral wealth catalyzes inclusive prosperity—or deepens existing inequities.
