The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are ramping up mining investment cooperation in 2025, with a series of landmark agreements underscoring deepening ties between the two nations.
As Africa’s top copper producer, a major global source of tin, and the world’s leading cobalt supplier—accounting for more than 70% of global output—the DRC is drawing increasing attention from UAE investors looking to tap into its vast mineral wealth.
Valued at an estimated $24 trillion, the DRC’s untapped mineral potential offers strategic opportunities for UAE capital and expertise. In the run-up to African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, the two countries are strengthening their collaboration, with the event poised to be a springboard for enhanced engagement.
AMW will include a dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable featuring high-level discussions and project showcases, enabling UAE investors to engage directly with DRC policymakers and mining stakeholders.
With surging global demand for critical minerals that power the energy transition and the fourth industrial revolution, the UAE is strategically increasing its presence in the DRC to secure vital mineral supply chains and support its economic diversification goals.
UAE Investments in DRC Mining
Recent months have witnessed a flurry of UAE-backed investments in the DRC’s mining sector. In mid-July, Congolese mining firm Buenassa signed a deal with UAE-based NG9 Holding to establish the country’s first integrated copper-cobalt refinery.
The facility is projected to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually, aligning with DRC’s ambitions for in-country value addition and local beneficiation in its mining industry.
In another major deal, Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) announced in June 2025 the acquisition of a majority stake in Alphamin Resources, valued at $366 million. This investment gives IRH access to the Bisie Tin Complex in North Kivu—one of the world’s largest and richest tin deposits, contributing around 6% of global supply.
The move is expected to boost the DRC’s role in the global tin market, with tin demand forecast to rise 20% by 2035. At AMW 2025, a featured panel titled “Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution” will highlight such opportunities to UAE investors keen on the DRC’s expanding critical minerals sector.
The cooperation is not limited to mining alone. UAE investment is also flowing into the DRC’s energy sector, which is vital to mining operations. NG9 Holding has also signed an agreement with Congolese energy firm Kipay Energy to develop a 46 MW hydropower facility in Haut-Katanga. Once operational, the project will contribute to a total of 166 MW of power generation capacity, helping ensure reliable electricity for mining sites in the region.
As anticipation builds for African Mining Week 2025, the UAE and DRC are well-positioned to announce further strategic investments, joint ventures, and cooperation agreements. The forum is set to cement the growing partnership between the two nations, aligning their shared interests in mineral development, industrialization, and sustainable growth.
