Downstream industrialisation and beneficiation are key programme topics at the upcoming DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, which is the third landmark gathering of this event, which represents a pivotal step in shaping an inclusive and equitable critical minerals industry in the DRC. This year’s event theme is “Leveraging foreign interest in critical minerals to boost the country’s economy.”
Taking place from 29 to 30 September in the capital of Lualaba Province, Kolwezi, the forum will gather government entities, mining operators, industry leaders, investors, EPCs, OEMs, processing and exploration technology providers, infrastructure developers, financiers, legal advisors, and policymakers to align strategies and forge pathways that will accelerate industrialisation.
Prioritising industrialisation and beneficiation
“This year’s DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum places priority on downstream industrialisation and beneficiation, ensuring that the value of our resources extends beyond extraction and contributes directly to national and regional transformation,” states event organiser Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director: Mining, VUKA Group.
He adds: “The meeting will provide unparalleled insights and connections for global investors, manufacturers and strategic development partners seeking to capitalise in the next frontier of economic growth, to seize the immense, yet largely untapped, opportunities within the DRC—there are over $26.61 billion in industrialisation projects at different stages that have been identified.”
Madlabane continues: “The programme highlights the multifaceted nature of regional and international cooperation on critical minerals. Our shared goal is to build resilient, localised value chains that can power Africa’s growth while contributing to global supply-chain stability. Together, we are laying the foundation for an industry that promotes innovation, job creation, and socio-economic opportunity, not just for the DRC, but for the African continent as a whole.”
Programme highlights: Battery value chain projects
Some programme highlights that feature discussions and updates on the latest developments of battery value chain projects in the DRC include:
Project 1: Simple and eco-environmentally friendly process of lithium extraction from α-spodumene and lepidolite concentrates from the Manono
Project 2: Research collaboration between the University of (UNILU) and (CPUT) for the advancement of lithium-ion battery technology in the DRC: Status, challenges and prospects
Project 3: CRM from the DR Congo – History, status and perspectives
Project 4: MES project
The Musompo SEZ
Another project that is eagerly watched by industry and investors alike is the development of special economic zones (SEZs) in the DRC, which is seen as a significant step towards industrialisation. Particularly the Musompo SEZ, a transboundary battery and electric vehicle SEZ, will be highlighted, including the incentives in place to promote private sector investments, tax rates and the CSR policies planned by manufacturers to guarantee support for local communities around SEZs, including environmental standards and labour conditions.
Lobito Corridor case study
A panel discussion on investments in infrastructure as a key driver for progress will focus on the exciting case studies of the Lobito Corridor and the Tazara Railway, which are important pieces in the puzzle to solve the region’s challenges with regards to energy, lack of proper roads, telecommunication and transportation.
“Local processing and value addition”
To ensure that foreign investments result in local economic growth to improve revenues and contribute to the country’s development, it is key for the DRC “to develop value chains, particularly the battery value chain, which involves local processing and value addition of mineral raw materials in the country,” says Dr. Jean-Marie Kanda, Chemistry Professor at the University of Lubumbashi, Director of the Centre Africain excellence pour les Batteries (CAEB) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Congolese Battery Council. Prof Kanda is also an advisory board member of DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum and a speaker at the event.
He adds that it is also important “to encourage foreign investors to invest in local transformation, and the DRC is working hard on improving the business climate to guarantee access to energy and infrastructure.”
Speaker and moderator highlights at Africa-DRC Battery Metals Forum include:
– H.E. Fifi Masuka Saini, Governor, Lualaba Province, DRC
– Denis Lecouturier, Managing Director, CCB, DRC
– Susannah McLaren, Head of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability, Cobalt Institute, United Kingdom
– Celestin Kibeya, Director General, Cominière, DRC
– Romain Deniel, Country Director, Arise IIP, DRC
– Prof. Hercule Kalele Mulonda, Technical Director, CCB and Representative of CAEB, DRC
– Dieudonné Been Masudi, Consultant in charge of the energy transition programme, AFREWATCH, DRC
– Aubin Tshibanda, Critical Minerals Researcher, University of Liège, Belgium
– Steve Nsenda Tshilumbu, Associate Professor, University of CPUT/UNILU, South Africa
– Uwe Naeher, Professional Geologist, ISEBAR, DRC
– Thierry Naweji, Executive Chairman, DRC-SA Chamber of Commerce, SA
– Benitha Tambwe, Expert-Head of Strategic Partnerships DRC Ministry of Mines (CTCPM), DRC
Download the full conference programme here.
