In addition to the U.S. agreement, the DRC has entered partnerships with global entities to accelerate technology deployment across the mining sector. Japanese technology firm Solafune has been selected to integrate an AI-based geo-mapping solution into the nation-wide mineral mapping program. The state agency Mining Cadaster has also announced the rollout of AI-enabled drones to enhance surveillance and oversight of mining activities.

The DRC has 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 will digitize the country’s historical geological archives, providing enhanced access to critical data and supporting project development with international partners. These initiatives aim to identify the location, quantity and quality of mineral deposits, enabling faster and more targeted resource exploitation to drive GDP growth.

The DRC is also 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. Worker safety remains central to the industry’s sustainable growth, with operators deploying AI-enabled solutions. For example, mining company Glencore is using Sandvik’s proximity detection and collision-avoidance technology to enhance safety in underground operations.

As the DRC continues rolling out tech-enabled mining initiatives, the 2026 edition of African Mining Week – scheduled for October 14-16, 2026 – will bring together global technology 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 in the country’s mining sector. As these initiatives take hold, the DRC is poised to become a global model for tech-enabled, sustainable and efficient mineral production, attracting investment and driving long-term economic growth.