African nations assert control over mineral wealth data and rules

African governments are seeking greater control over the data and rules shaping their mineral wealth. They are using new geological surveys, licensing rules, regional partnerships, and transparency initiatives to influence how mineral resources are explored, developed, and traded. This push for greater control is evident in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. The DRC has launched a new geological mapping program with Spain's Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

The DRC's geological mapping program, launched on October 5, will survey nearly 700,000 square kilometers, equivalent to about 35% of the country. The program will collect over three million line-kilometers of geophysical data using eight aircraft, with up to 12 expected at peak operations. The program combines magnetic, radiometric, gravity, and electromagnetic surveys to build a more detailed picture of the country's geology. Congolese experts will also receive practical training alongside Xcalibur's international teams.

The DRC's program builds on a $180 million contract signed with Xcalibur in January. The government plans to establish a national geological databank expected to become operational by the end of 2026. The databank will offer basic geological information free of charge while charging for access to more sensitive datasets. The government will assess requests against investor needs and the country's strategic interests.

Control over geological information could help change where investment flows and which deposits are developed. Better mapping can reduce exploration uncertainty, but the terms governing access to the resulting data will determine whether smaller domestic companies, researchers, and new investors can compete with established mining groups. The DRC is a global critical minerals powerhouse, accounting for approximately 73% of mined cobalt production in 2025.

Neighboring Zambia is also strengthening its geological intelligence and licensing rules. President Hakainde Hichilema warned companies against holding mining licenses for speculative purposes, saying the government would enforce a "use it or lose it" policy. Zambia has invested nearly $100 million in a nationwide, high-resolution geophysical survey covering all 752,000 square kilometers of the country. The survey aims to reduce exploration risks and attract investment.

Zambia targets annual copper production of three million tonnes by 2031. The country's copper production rose 8% to 890,346 tonnes in 2025. Zambia, the DRC, and Botswana are exploring cross-border joint ventures and harmonizing standards for critical minerals and energy. The countries share a copperbelt stretching between Kolwezi and Ndola and are discussing cooperation on geological research, mineral traceability, and efforts to curb illicit trade.

Alongside geological intelligence and licensing, transparency over who benefits from extraction is becoming another part of the push. Zambia has committed to publishing company-level data on local content in mining and developing a consolidated disclosure mechanism by 2027. The system aims to help track opportunities for Zambian businesses and make the sector's contribution to the domestic economy more visible.

Key points

• African governments are seeking greater control over mineral deposits mapping, mining rights allocation, and resources trading.
• The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia are leading the push for greater control over their mineral wealth.
• The push for greater control includes geological surveys, licensing rules, regional partnerships, and transparency initiatives.