DRC-Kazakhstan: the other mineral agreement

The official visit of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to Kazakhstan on 10 September marked the resolution of a long-running dispute between Gécamines and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) over the Swanmines copper and cobalt project. Swanmines, a joint venture between ERG (75%) and Gécamines (25%), has held rights to the Kalukundi Mine since 2009. The litigation, which started in 2023, revolved around project timelines, investment obligations and Gécamines’ call for greater involvement in governance and economic returns. The mine is located in the Katanga province that, between 1960 and 1963 seceded, forming the Republic of Katanga, supported by former colonial interests.

The visit ended with the signing of a settlement agreement, described as a new chapter in bilateral relations and a clear example of economic diplomacy driving political rapprochement. The deal promises expanded participation for Gécamines, though questions remain about financing, timelines and governance.

ERG, headquartered in Luxembourg with the Government of Kazakhstan holding a 40% stake, is one of the largest producers of copper and cobalt in Africa. Since 2009 it has invested more than US$9 billion in the DRC, a country central to global critical mineral supply chains, providing nearly 80% of world cobalt.

On the occasion of the meeting, President Tshisekedi thanked Kazakhstan for its past support in the United Nations, stressing that this first major economic partnership builds on trust forged through diplomatic solidarity. Since 2024, Kazakhstan has contributed peacekeepers to MONUSCO and deployed its first independent UN contingent to the Golan Heights. President Tokayev awarded Tshisekedi the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), First Degree, for his role in strengthening bilateral ties.

This agreement highlights Kazakhstan’s growing global profile, to which its full SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) membership and its BRICS partnerships contribute considerably. Rich in oil and gas, it has diversified its economy through ties with China, the West and regional partners, while maintaining close relations with Russia. It has also positioned itself as a mediator, hosting the Astana peace talks on Syria, facilitating the Iran nuclear negotiations and helping restore relations between Russia and Turkey after the 2015 plane crisis (Russian bomber shot down by two Turkish fighters for a contested airspace violation). For the DRC, political friendship with Kazakhstan means reinforcing ties with Asia and tapping into the influence of a rising Eurasian power.