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The DRC possesses the world’s premier copper and cobalt deposits, making it the epicenter of the global energy transition (EVs and battery technology). The mining landscape is dominated by international giants—particularly from China and Switzerland—operating through joint ventures or leases with the DRC’s state-owned mining company, Gécamines.

1. Glencore

The Swiss commodity giant is one of the largest copper and cobalt producers in the DRC. Its two flagship operations, Mutanda (one of the world’s largest cobalt mines) and KCC (Kamoto Copper Company), provide Glencore with significant influence over the global supply chain.

Core Assets: Mutanda, KCC.
Primary Commodities: Copper, Cobalt.

2. CMOC Group (洛阳钼业)

A Chinese mining major that has become the world’s largest cobalt producer. By acquiring assets from Freeport-McMoRan, CMOC controls the world-class TFM (Tenke Fungurume) mine and the KFM (Kisanfu) copper-cobalt mine.

Core Assets: TFM, KFM.
Primary Commodities: Copper, Cobalt.

3. Zijin Mining (紫金矿业)

Zijin Mining holds a significant stake in the ultra-high-grade Kamoa-Kakula copper mine (a joint venture with Ivanhoe Mines). This project is currently the world’s fastest-growing and highest-grade major copper mine.

Core Assets: Kamoa-Kakula (39.6% stake), COMMUS.
Primary Commodities: Copper.

4. Ivanhoe Mines

Founded by mining legend Robert Friedland, Ivanhoe focuses on the discovery and development of “tier-one” deposits. Beyond Kamoa-Kakula, Ivanhoe is advancing the high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper mine restart and the Western Foreland exploration project.

Core Assets: Kamoa-Kakula, Kipushi.
Primary Commodities: Copper, Zinc, Germanium, Silver.

5. Eurasian Resources Group (ERG)

Headquartered in Luxembourg, ERG has a deep footprint in the DRC, including Metalkol RTR (a leading global cobalt tailings recovery project) and the Frontier copper mine.

Core Assets: Metalkol RTR, Frontier, Boss Mining.
Primary Commodities: Copper, Cobalt.

6. MMG (五矿资源)

The offshore listed platform of China Minmetals Corporation. Its core asset, the Kinsevere copper mine, is an important hub for high-quality LME-grade copper cathodes and is currently undergoing expansion to increase cobalt output.

Core Assets: Kinsevere.
Primary Commodities: Copper, Cobalt.

7. Huayou Cobalt (华友钴业)

A leading global supplier of lithium-ion battery materials. Huayou operates mines (such as PE527) and has established large-scale smelting and deep-processing facilities in the DRC, making it one of the most vertically integrated players in the region.

Core Assets: Mikas, COMMUS (JV with Zijin).
Primary Commodities: Copper, Cobalt.

8. Jinchuan International (金川国际)

The listed subsidiary of Jinchuan Group, China’s largest nickel and cobalt producer. In the DRC, it operates the Ruashi mine and is developing the Musonoi copper-cobalt project.

Core Assets: Ruashi, Musonoi, Kinsenda.
Primary Commodities: Copper, Cobalt.

9. Gécamines (La Générale des Carrières et des Mines)

As the DRC’s state-owned entity, Gécamines is a partner in nearly all major mining joint ventures in the country. While its direct production is limited, it holds minority stakes (typically 15%–30%) in foreign-operated mines and acts as the enforcer of national mining policy.

Role: State Partner, Asset Lessor.

10. Kibali Gold Mine (Barrick & AngloGold Ashanti JV)

While the DRC is famous for copper and cobalt, its northeast is rich in gold. The Kibali gold mine, a joint venture between Barrick Gold and AngloGold Ashanti, is the largest and most automated gold mine in Africa.