DR Congo launches 3-year geophysical mapping program to boost mineral exploration

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has initiated a 36-month nationwide program to expand its geoscientific coverage. The airborne geophysical and geological mapping initiative, called PC2G-RDC, aims to increase coverage from 22.27% to 46.1%. The project is coordinated by the National Geological Service of Congo and funded by the Fonds Minier pour les Générations Futures, with Spanish geophysics company Xcalibur Multiphysics Group executing the work.

Eight aircraft will gather high-resolution magnetic, radiometric, gravimetric, and electromagnetic data across key regions, including Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Greater Kasai, and Greater Katanga. The program builds on earlier geological work in Greater Katanga, the country’s primary copper-cobalt producing area, while extending mapping into less-explored regions. The goal is to identify geophysical anomalies and enhance geological datasets for future exploration.

Despite being Africa’s largest copper producer and the world’s top cobalt producer, less than 10% of the DRC has been thoroughly explored. The new datasets are expected to reduce geological uncertainty, improve the identification of prospective mineral zones, and strengthen the state’s ability to evaluate mineral-development opportunities. However, any anomalies found will require ground verification, geochemical work, and drilling before confirming a mineral deposit.

The program is anticipated to boost exploration efficiency in the copper sector, though it will not immediately add to reserves or production. Prospective anomalies will need years of follow-up exploration and development before contributing to copper supply. The initiative could expand the pipeline of copper exploration targets beyond the established Greater Katanga Copperbelt.