Japan Proposes to DRC its Master Plan for Copperbelt Mineral Supply Chain

On 28 November 2025, a delegation of Japanese companies presented to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a Master Plan for structuring and securing #CriticalMinerals. The Copperbelt region spanning the DRC and Zambia is a mineral-rich region known to have rich reserves of cobalt (#Co), copper (Cu), and germanium (#Ge) that are essential for future industries, such as #AI and #EV.

The key points of the Plan include：

• Foster Local Value Addition (#LVA)
• Enhance transport and logistics
• Implement traceability for sustainability and compliance

The Government of DRC was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister, Daniel Mukoko, who is also in charge of the Economy. The Japanese delegation comprised of executives from Nippon Steel, Mitsui OSK Lines, OC Global, and JOGMEC. Mr Takeshi Hashimoto, Chair and CEO of Mitsui, led the delegation in his capacity as Chief Representative of the Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

In addition to financing, Hashimoto underlined that Japan is ready to deploy its latest technologies to develop the mining sector in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Minister Mukoko highlighted DRC’s plans to diversify its partnerships in the mining sector and to attract impact investments in infrastructure. The DRC intends to leverage its mineral resources to elevate its economy and bring tangible benefits to its people.