In a recent statement, François Ngoie Bwanga, a geologist and expert in mineral exploration and valuation, emphasized the need for the Democratic Republic of Congo to master its geological data, particularly in the Central African Copperbelt. This region, which spans across the southeastern part of the country and into Zambia, is a significant metallogenic province in Central Africa, known for its copper and cobalt resources. Ngoie Bwanga believes that controlling this data is crucial for guiding mining exploration and development.
According to Ngoie Bwanga, local geological data must be a priority in the training of young Congolese geologists, especially in data collection, verification, and interpretation. He notes that poorly collected data can compromise the reliability of subsequent treatments and feasibility studies. The geologist stresses that geology differs from other technical sciences, as even external experts must understand local geology, which cannot be simply transferred from one territory to another.
Ngoie Bwanga highlights an innovation in the exploration of the Congolese copper arc, which involves searching for deposits in glaciogenic formations. This approach has led to the identification of similarities in geological formations previously considered sterile. By comparing data from various parts of the copper arc, from Kolwezi-Kamoa in the northwest to Lonshi and Frontier in the southeast, scientists have been able to identify previously undervalued geological similarities.
To achieve this goal, Ngoie Bwanga advocates for the establishment of a national scientific framework that brings together researchers, teachers, field geologists, and mining industry professionals to share data and interpretations on Katanga's geological systems. He proposes the involvement of the National Geological Service of Congo, in collaboration with universities and relevant ministries, in organizing a regular national scientific forum focused on the Central African Copperbelt.
Ngoie Bwanga also recommends creating a national scientific journal dedicated to geology and mining research in Katanga. This would allow new data and important interpretations to be submitted to the national scientific community before publication and dissemination abroad. According to the expert, this is a matter of scientific sovereignty and rigor, enabling the country to validate its own data and scientific interpretations before sharing them internationally.
With his professional experience in the mining sector and academic background, Ngoie Bwanga believes that strengthening practical training and applied research can contribute to better valuation of national mineral resources. The expert's call for scientific sovereignty in the Central African Copperbelt highlights the importance of local control over geological data and research in the region.
The Central African Copperbelt, spanning across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, is a significant metallogenic province in Central Africa, known for its copper and cobalt resources. Ngoie Bwanga's advocacy for national control over geological data and research in the region underscores the need for a more scientifically informed approach to mining exploration and development in the area.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo must master its geological data to guide mining exploration and development.
- Local geological data must be a priority in the training of young Congolese geologists.
- A national scientific framework and journal are needed to validate and share geological data and research in the Central African Copperbelt.
