The Democratic Republic of Congo is moving to capture more value from its vast copper and cobalt resources by restricting exports of raw ore and encouraging local processing and refining.
The ambition is significant: retain more of the billions of dollars generated by these critical minerals within the domestic economy, while creating opportunities for jobs, investment and industrial development.
But there is a major obstacle—electricity.
The DRC faces a substantial power shortfall, raising questions over whether the country has the infrastructure needed to support expanded mining, smelting and refining capacity.
What will the new export restrictions mean for miners? And can the DRC overcome its energy constraints to turn its mineral wealth into lasting economic value?
