Organised by VUKA Group, the DRC Mining Week 2026 was held from 17 to 19 June 2026 in Lubumbashi, in the heart of the Congolese Copperbelt. Its theme: “The DRC's shift: from local player to the world's leading critical minerals hub”.
Major operators in attendance
The event brought together the sector's leading players — Gécamines, Barrick, ERG Africa, Glencore, Kamoa Copper, MMG, KCC, MUMI — as well as technology suppliers, engineering (EPC) companies, logistics providers and financiers, in the presence of the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba.
From extraction to processing
Discussions focused on the shift from an extraction-based economy to one built on local processing and industrialisation, the development of industrial corridors, and project and procurement opportunities. KoBold Metals notably announced its intention to invest more than US$50 million in lithium exploration in the DRC by 2027.
Civil society mobilised
On the sidelines of the event, an “alternative Mining Week” dedicated to mining-affected communities recommended speeding up the formalisation of artisanal mining, to foster coexistence between industrial and artisanal operators, reduce conflict and improve working conditions.
Photo credit: Mining Weekly (Creamer Media)
Featured image: Mining Weekly (Creamer Media)
Sources: Mining Weekly – DRC Mining Week 2026 • PanAfGeo – DRC Mining Week 2026 • ACP – Recommendations on artisanal mining
