US-supported mining company KoBold Metals has started a large-scale lithium exploration programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, committing more than $50 million by 2027.
The company, backed by billionaire investors including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, said it will use artificial intelligence, airborne sensors and mobile labs to speed up mineral discovery.
KoBold said the project will cover 13 exploration licences and involve drilling and geochemical surveys across large areas to identify lithium deposits, a key material used in electric vehicle batteries.
The move comes as the United States pushes to secure critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global supply chains for many battery materials.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is already one of the world’s top producers of cobalt and copper, and is believed to hold significant untapped lithium reserves, making it a key focus for global mining companies.
KoBold said it has already invested more than $20 million in the country and is expanding its exploration footprint in the mineral-rich Manono region.
However, the project faces legal disputes, with AVZ Minerals challenging agreements linked to the Manono area in international arbitration.
At the same time, Chinese mining giant Zijin Mining is expected to begin lithium production in the region in the coming months, increasing competition for control of Congo’s mineral resources.
KoBold said it is using advanced technology and data-driven exploration methods to improve accuracy and reduce the time needed to find viable deposits.
The company described the project as one of its most ambitious efforts yet in Africa’s fast-growing critical minerals sector.
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