What milestones has Buenassa achieved since its establishment in 2022?

Buenassa has advanced its flagship copper-cobalt refinery from concept to the feasibility stage. We have completed scoping studies, validated the project’s 13,135-hectare site, established project vehicle and governance structure, secured the DRC government's participation as a strategic shareholder and progressed institutional funding for the next stages of development.

The scoping studies, completed by BARA Consulting and MET63, were supported by a $3.5 million grant from the DRC government's Fonds de Promotion de l'Industrie. The next phase will develop a 2,000-hectare Special Economic Zone to host Phases I and II of the refinery while supporting strategic stockpiling under the Lobito Corridor initiative.

The DRC government holds a 10% golden share in Buenassa Resources S.A., reinforcing alignment with the country's industrialization and beneficiation strategy. Governance has also been strengthened through the appointment of former Prime Minister Samy Badibanga as Chairman of the Board.

We are engaging development finance institutions and U.S. government-backed agencies to fund the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). Phase I targets annual production of 30,000 tons of copper cathode and 5,000 tons of contained cobalt, expanding to 120,000 tons of copper cathode and 20,000 tons of contained cobalt in Phase II.

How is Buenassa expanding its capital portfolio?

Access to capital remains one of Africa's biggest mining challenges, but investors increasingly recognize the strategic importance of critical minerals and downstream processing.

Buenassa is aligning its financing strategy with sovereign institutions, development finance institutions and strategic investors. This carries a strong geostrategic dimension, as our project is primarily aligned on the Kinshasa-Washington axis in response to the US-DRC Strategic Partnership signed by the two administrations in Washington DC in December 2025, and anchored in both the Lobito Corridor and FORGE initiatives.

By engaging strategic partners early, Buenassa is securing funding for the PFS and DFS while positioning investors for future capital raises and long-term access to refined copper and cobalt production.

What are the biggest challenges facing new mining operators in the DRC?

The DRC remains one of the world's most attractive mining destinations, driven by its copper, cobalt and critical mineral resources. While permitting, logistics and power have historically constrained investment, conditions are improving.

Projects such as the Lobito Corridor are lowering transport costs and strengthening regional connectivity, while investments in power generation, transmission and independent energy solutions are supporting new mining and beneficiation projects.

Long-term success also depends on strong partnerships with government, communities and industry. Combining experienced local teams with international technical expertise has been key to advancing Buenassa's refinery project while supporting the DRC's industrialization goals.

How is Buenassa integrating local talent into its growth strategy?

Buenassa is developing the DRC's first Congolese-led, privately developed integrated copper-cobalt refinery. The government's 10% golden share, Congolese-led management team and appointment of Samy Badibanga as Board Chairman reinforce national participation.

The refinery is expected to create more than 500 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs. Buenassa also plans to establish a center of excellence and research laboratory focused on metallurgy, process engineering and R&D, alongside certified technical training programs and a Female STEM Fast-Track initiative to increase women's participation in technical and leadership roles.

What key messages will Buenassa champion at AMW 2026?

Buenassa will highlight the DRC's opportunity to move beyond raw mineral exports by building a commercially viable, Congolese-led critical minerals processing industry. We believe integrating refining, trading, logistics and strategic stockpiling will enable the DRC to capture greater value from its copper and cobalt resources while strengthening global critical mineral supply chains.

AMW 2026 will provide a platform to deepen partnerships with governments, financiers, technical partners and investors to accelerate the development of a secure, Western-aligned midstream corridor anchored in the DRC.