Belgium is open to expanding its involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mining sector, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said during a visit to the former Belgian colony. His remarks come as Kinshasa seeks to diversify investment partnerships for its vast reserves of critical minerals.
– If the opportunity arises to become an investment partner, we will not step back, Prévot told Reuters on Monday.
Congo holds significant deposits of copper, cobalt, lithium and uranium, but decades of political instability have hindered full-scale development. With talks underway between Congolese officials and the United States on a potential minerals-for-security deal, Kinshasa is actively trying to attract new players to the sector.
Belgian firms are already present
Belgian companies, including Umicore and John Cockerill, have a long-standing presence in Congo’s mining, processing and trade of minerals such as cobalt, copper and diamonds. According to Prévot, these firms have internationally recognised expertise in processing critical raw materials.
– We have capabilities that are already proven – he said, highlighting last year’s agreement between Umicore and state-owned Gécamines to ship germanium concentrates from Congo to Europe.
Belgium’s industrial presence contrasts with what Prévot described as a more transactional approach from some other international actors.
– Our model offers benefits to both countries – he said, suggesting a more balanced form of cooperation.
Visit highlights human rights concerns
Prévot’s visit also included a planned stop in the eastern city of Beni, a region impacted by ongoing conflict involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The visit aimed to draw attention to severe human rights concerns and instability in the eastern provinces, where Congolese forces continue to struggle with armed groups.
Despite China’s dominant position in Congo’s minerals sector, Belgium remains engaged through both commercial and diplomatic channels. The country’s stated willingness to deepen that engagement could help support Congo’s aim to reduce dependence on any single foreign partner.
Source: Reuters
