In addition to the agreement signed with the U.S., the DRC entered a series of partnerships with global entities to enhance technology rollout across the mining sector. The country selected Japanese technology firm Solafune to integrate an AI-based geo-mapping solution within its nation-wide mineral mapping program. State agency the Mining Cadaster also announced the rollout of AI-enabled drones to improve surveillance and oversight of mining activities. The DRC also partnered with U.S. startup KoBold Metals to implement data-driven exploration projects across lithium, copper and cobalt sites, including the Manono Lithium Project. KoBold Metals will digitize the country’s historical geological archives, enabling enhanced access to critical data that will support project development with international partners. With the DRC seeking to capitalize on the growing global demand for critical minerals, these initiatives will help identify the location, quantity and quality of mineral deposits, enabling faster and more targeted resource exploitation to drive GDP growth.

Meanwhile, the DRC is using technology to curb illicit mineral trading. The country launched E-Trace, a digital mineral traceability platform designed to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices, track minerals and integrate proceeds into the formal economy. Furthermore, with worker safety central to the sustainable growth of the industry, project operators are enhancing the safety of their operations with AI-enabled solutions. For instance, mining company Glencore is using technology company Sandvik’s proximity detection and collision avoidance technology to detect and avoid collision across its underground operations.

As the DRC continues to roll out tech-enabled mining initiatives, the upcoming African Mining Week, scheduled for 14–16 October 2026, will bring together global tech providers and DRC mining stakeholders. The event will feature high-level panels and project showcases, highlighting technological innovation across the mining value chain and emerging opportunities across the DRC’s mining sector.