U.S.-based explorer Copper Intelligence is advancing plans to develop a previously untapped copper deposit in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a potential shift in the country’s mining focus beyond its traditional southern copper belt. The company said it will begin drilling within four to six weeks at its newly acquired Butembo licence, as reported by Reuters.
The project is located in a region historically overlooked by major mining companies, which have concentrated operations in the southern provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. By contrast, eastern Congo has been more associated with gold, tin, and tantalum production, despite early signs of copper mineralization uncovered by artisanal miners.
Initial exploration results suggest significant potential, with surface samples returning copper grades of up to 18%, levels that could rank among the highest globally if confirmed at scale. The licence spans roughly 70 to 80 square kilometres, with mineralisation extending about seven kilometres, indicating possible district-wide deposits.
The move comes as global demand for copper intensifies, driven by its critical role in electric vehicles and clean energy systems. For the Democratic Republic of Congo, already the world’s second-largest copper producer, expanding exploration into new regions could unlock additional reserves and reinforce its strategic position in global supply chains, even as security and infrastructure challenges persist in the east.
