Mineral Resources of Congo-Brazzaville

Oil, the Backbone of the Economy

Oil remains the dominant resource of Congo-Brazzaville. In 2019, production reached 339,000 barrels per day, making the country the third largest producer in sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria and Angola. This windfall represents nearly 90% of exports and approximately 50% of government revenue. Major operators, such as TotalEnergies E&P Congo, account for more than 200,000 barrels per day. Government ambitions aim to increase production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, thanks to new offshore projects and the development of natural gas reserves estimated at 10 trillion cubic feet. However, this dependence on oil exposes the country to fluctuations in global prices, as in 2014 when government revenue from crude oil fell from 80% to 50%. Oil therefore remains vital, but fragile, requiring diversification.

The iron ore deposits of Zanaga and Mayoko

Congo possesses one of the world's largest iron ore deposits. The Zanaga project, located in the Lekoumou department, contains 6.9 billion tons of resources and proven reserves of 2.1 billion tons. At Mayoko-Moussondji, estimates exceed 500 million tons. These figures place Congo among the African countries with the highest potential. In 2024, agreements were signed to develop the rail and port infrastructure necessary for exports, illustrating the sector's growing strength. If these projects materialize, the country could produce tens of millions of tons of iron ore per year, rivaling giants like South Africa. The challenge remains financial and logistical, but the colossal reserves of Zanaga and Mayoko offer a strategic opportunity to diversify the national economy.

Copper and Cobalt: An Emerging Potential

Unlike its neighbor, the DRC, a world leader in cobalt, Congo-Brazzaville is still only modestly exploiting its deposits. Identified reserves exceed 300,000 tons of copper, often associated with cobalt. Although production remains in its infancy, the prospects are strategic: cobalt is essential for electric batteries, a rapidly growing market. In 2024, the DRC generated nearly USD 19.8 billion from copper, representing 57% of African revenue, demonstrating the size of the regional market. By positioning itself in this niche, Congo could capture a share of this momentum. Ongoing exploratory projects aim to confirm the industrial viability of the deposits. If investments follow, copper and cobalt could become a major new source of foreign exchange for the country.

Artisanal and Industrial Gold

Gold is primarily mined using artisanal methods in the north of the country. In 2019, artisanal production was estimated at several hundred kilograms, representing a value of approximately USD 155 million for all mining exports (gold and diamonds). Although this share represents only 0.06% of extractive revenues, it remains significant for local communities. Authorities are considering developing an industrial operation to increase production to 1 ton per year, which would strengthen gold's contribution to GDP. Traceability and transparency are major issues, as artisanal gold often bypasses official channels. With rising global prices, gold could become a strategic resource, complementing oil and iron, if industrial projects materialize.

Potash and phosphates: a giant in the making

The Sintoukola basin, in the Kouilou region, holds some of the world's largest potash reserves. The Kola project, led by Kore Potash, anticipates production of 2 to 5 million tons per year, with an initial investment of 700 billion CFA francs. Global reserves exceed 1 billion tons, positioning Congo as a future major player in potash fertilizers. In 2025, financing negotiations were underway with the Summit consortium to launch the industrial phase. Potash is crucial for global agriculture, and growing demand offers Congo a unique diversification opportunity. If port and rail infrastructure is developed, the country could become a strategic supplier for Africa and beyond.

Contribution to GDP and Employment: The non-oil mining sector remains marginal but is growing. Its contribution is estimated at 5% of GDP, compared to over 60% for oil. Mining activities generate approximately 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, particularly in gold, sand, rubble, and quarrying. Artisanal sand production around Brazzaville reaches 113,498 m³/year, and that of building stones 86,984 m³/year, illustrating the importance of minerals for development. The government. The country has expanded its exploration and research permits, now covering nearly a third of the national territory. The objective is clear: to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. If the iron, potash, and gold projects materialize, the mining sector's share of GDP could double by 2030, strengthening the country's economic resilience.

Employment and Mining Diversification in Congo-Brazzaville

In Congo-Brazzaville, the non-oil mining sector still plays a modest but strategic role in the national economy. Today, it generates approximately 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. Despite this potential, the contribution of the non-oil mining sector remains limited, representing only about 5% of GDP.

Congo's Mining Exports: Between Dependence and Diversification

Congo-Brazzaville remains heavily dependent on crude oil, which accounts for more than 80% of its exports. In 2024, total exports reached approximately 4,390 billion FCFA, or nearly €6.6 billion, while imports amounted to 2,556 billion FCFA, equivalent to approximately €3.8 billion. This trade surplus illustrates the strength of the extractive sector, but it remains fragile in the face of fluctuations in global prices. Other mineral resources, such as iron, gold, sand, and rubble, remain marginal but are growing. The real promise lies in potash, particularly with the Sintoukola and Kola projects, whose reserves exceed 1 billion tons. Although industrial exports are not yet massive, contracts stipulate a capacity of 2 to 5 million tons per year, representing a potential value of several hundred million euros. This growth could transform the structure of Congolese exports and reduce dependence on oil.

Mining in Congo-Brazzaville: Amid Suspicion and Lack of Control

According to many Congolese, several companies are exploiting the country's mineral resources without any real benefit to the state or local communities. This feeling is reinforced by the testimony of a Congolese man who worked for a Chinese subcontracting company in Mossendjo during the construction of a well. According to him, there was no presence or effective control from the Congolese state on the site. During sensitive phases, particularly the extraction of sand, soil, and certain minerals from the subsoil, Congolese workers were systematically excluded. The most valuable materials were then removed, without local processing or any visible benefits for the community, and sometimes even exported, notably to China. This situation illustrates a broader problem: numerous mining activities are taking place in Congo-Brazzaville without the population being truly aware of them. Outside the oil sector, the jobs created remain largely precarious and undervalued, perpetuating a deep sense of injustice and the plundering of national resources.

Congo-Brazzaville possesses a particularly rich subsoil, offering considerable mining potential that remains largely untapped. The country holds significant iron ore reserves, particularly in the south, as well as promising potash and gold deposits, capable of supporting industrial development and attracting significant investments. These mineral resources represent a major opportunity to strengthen the national productive base, create jobs, and boost non-hydrocarbon exports. However, despite this geological diversity, the Congolese economy remains heavily dependent on oil, which constitutes the bulk of budget revenues and foreign exchange earnings. This dependence exposes Congo-Brazzaville to shocks in international markets and limits its long-term economic resilience. In this context, diversifying the mining sector appears as an essential strategic lever. It would help to reduce macroeconomic vulnerability, sustainably enhance natural resources and put Congo-Brazzaville’s growth on a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable trajectory.