The largest lithium exploration campaign in the DRC by KoBold Metals, the California‑based exploration company backed by investors such as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, has not only refocused the world’s attention on the region key role in the energy transition but also on lithium, which has been far less developed than cobalt and copper.

Since late 2025, KoBold Metals has secured 13 exploration licences covering more than 3,000 km², with plans to expand to 5,000 km² by the end of this year. Its flagship focus is the Manono region in Tanganyika Province, renowned for high‑grade lithium pegmatites, alongside permits in Malemba‑Nkulu, Haut‑Lomami Province. KoBold has committed over $50 million through 2027.

Lithium underexplored
While the Copperbelt region (Haut‑Katanga and Lualaba) has long been the global hub for cobalt and copper, lithium exploration is only emerging, with Manono in Tanganyika Province considered one of the world’s largest untapped deposits.

Global demand for lithium surged only in the past decade with EVs and renewable storage, whereas cobalt and copper demand has been strong for decades. Analysts project lithium demand to rise by 400% by 2035, making the DRC’s lithium potential strategically vital. Lithium is primarily used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (roughly 80%+ of demand) for electric vehicles, electronics, and grid storage.

According to KoBold Metals, its ultimate goal is to secure critical minerals for the global energy transition, positioning the DRC as a cornerstone of the battery supply chain. The company has emphasised ethical procurement, transparency, and collaboration with local suppliers, aligning its operations with both technological innovation and responsible business practices.

KoBold Metals only recently opened its office in the mining hub of Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga, in the heart of the Copperbelt, which is only about 100 km north its Mingomba campus in Zambia.

DRC mining pioneers
Lubumbashi is also the annual rendezvous of the region’s mining community, the DRC Mining Week expo and exhibition, that has been gathering the industry’s pioneers and innovators for more than 20 years. Taking place from 17–19 June this year, and with the official support of the DRC Ministry of Mines, major mining houses in attendance include ERG Africa, Gecamines, Kamoa, Kamoto, Glencore, MMG, Barrick, and MUMI and banking institutions such as Standard Bank, Ecobank, Sofibanque, FirstBank, and RawBank.

The DRC Minister of Mining, H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba, a veteran mining executive who had senior leadership roles at AngloGold Ashanti, Randgold/Barrick (Kibali), and Ivanhoe Mines (Kamoa Copper), is also a longstanding attendee and expert speaker at the event.

More than 16,500 local and international mining professionals are expected to attend, with 300+ returning sponsors and exhibitors and 11 international pavilions from China, UK, Zimbabwe, India, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, and Sweden.

About DRC Mining Week
DRC Mining Week is organised by VUKA Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, Nigeria Mining Week, Enlit Africa, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Carbon Markets Africa Summit, Smarter Mobility Africa, ECOM Africa and CEM Africa.

Mining Review Africa, the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

DRC Mining Week dates and venue 2026:
– Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
– Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC

Website: http://www.drcminingweek.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/drcminingweek
Facebook:  DRC-Mining-Week
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/68698090/admin/feed/posts/

Media Contact:
Jiten Ramjee, VUKA Group
Email: jiten.ramjee@wearevuka.com