Japan’s Asia Mineral Limited has signed a strategic partnership with Congolese firm Kerith Ressources to establish Kivuvu Kongo Mines, a new manganese mining venture in the Kongo Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The agreement, formalized on June 28, marks a significant step in the DRC’s efforts to diversify its mining sector beyond its traditional reliance on Chinese partnerships.
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Marcellin Paluku, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Mines, emphasized the urgency of this strategy, noting that 80% of Congolese mines are currently operated in partnership with Chinese companies—a concentration he described as a “risk” to the country’s economic stability. The new venture reflects Kinshasa’s commitment to forging broader international alliances and building a more resilient and balanced mining sector.
The collaboration with Asia Mineral Limited is a tangible move in this direction. In May, the Congolese government identified the project as a “structuring example” of its diversification strategy, aimed at not only expanding its network of foreign partners but also encouraging the development of value-added mineral products and increasing regional participation in the mining value chain.
Japan’s growing interest in the DRC’s mineral resources is part of a broader strategic shift. In August 2023, Tokyo pledged $1 billion to support critical mineral exploration across the DRC, positioning Japanese firms to gain a foothold in one of Africa’s most mineral-rich regions.
The Kivuvu Kongo Mines project aims for an annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes of manganese, a mineral vital to the battery and electric vehicle industries. Early projections suggest the venture could generate up to 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, helping to drive local economic development. However, further details regarding the project’s timeline and total investment value have yet to be disclosed.
The Japan-DRC partnership is part of a wider movement. Kinshasa is actively strengthening ties with other international players. Recent examples include International Resources Holding (IRH) from the United Arab Emirates acquiring a 56% stake in Alphamin—a major tin producer—for $367 million, and India ramping up interest in Congolese mining. Meanwhile, the United States is negotiating a “Minerals for Security” agreement with the DRC, signaling Washington’s growing interest in the region’s strategic mineral supply.