Belgium Signals Stronger Commitment to Congo’s Mining Sector

Critical Minerals

Belgium is ready to expand its role in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) mining sector, said Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot during a diplomatic visit to the former Belgian colony. The visit aligns with Congo’s strategic efforts to diversify investment partnerships across its vast reserves of critical minerals, including copper, cobalt, lithium, and uranium.

“If the opportunity arises to become an investment partner, we will not step back,” Prévot told Reuters on Monday. His comments come amid ongoing negotiations between Kinshasa and the United States over a potential minerals-for-security agreement, highlighting the DRC’s broader intent to attract a wider range of foreign partners into its mining ecosystem.

Belgium already maintains a robust footprint in Congo’s mining landscape. Companies such as Umicore and John Cockerill have long-standing operations related to cobalt, copper, and diamond production and trade. Prévot emphasized their internationally recognized expertise in processing critical raw materials, citing a 2024 agreement between Umicore and state-owned Gécamines to ship germanium concentrates to Europe as a key example of productive cooperation.

Belgium’s strategy contrasts with what Prévot described as more transactional models adopted by some other foreign players, suggesting that Belgian investments aim for long-term mutual benefit. “We have capabilities that are already proven,” he said. “Our model offers benefits to both countries.”

Balancing Investment with Human Rights and Stability Efforts

Beyond investment, Prévot’s visit also sought to address human rights and regional security issues. His itinerary included a stop in Beni, a conflict-affected area in eastern Congo plagued by violence from Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and other armed groups. The visit underscored Belgium’s diplomatic commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and instability that have long hindered the region’s development.

While China remains the dominant force in Congo’s critical minerals sector, Belgium continues to engage commercially and diplomatically. Its readiness to deepen ties could serve Congo’s objective of reducing dependence on any single foreign power and building a more balanced investment landscape.