The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made positive strides toward improving the management of its vast mineral wealth, slowly turning from a post-war outlook to a vision for the future. It has renegotiated and published natural resource contracts and made progress on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). However, the government still needs to open revenues and spending to greater public scrutiny to ensure the growth of a transparent and accountable mineral sector. The eastern part of the country faces continued instability and the future of peace and economic and social development depends on effective and equitable governance of natural resources.
Mining accounts for 28 percent of the country's GDP, according to 2008 figures. Diamonds, base minerals and oil accounted for over 90 percent of all exports in 2007. The mineral sector includes copper, cobalt, zinc, diamonds and columbo-tantalite (coltan). The DRC is a small oil producer, with daily production at 23,500 barrels as of late 2010. The DRC is also claiming sovereignty over offshore fields currently being exploited by Angola.
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The main minerals are copper, cobalt, zinc, diamonds and columbo-tantalite (coltan). Cadmium, cassiterite (tin ore), gold, silver, wolframite and uranium are mined on a smaller scale. Most mining of base metals takes place in Katanga. Diamonds are mined in East and West Kasai. Smaller-scale production occurs in Equateur and Orientale province. Coltan and cassiterite have become important exports in Maniema, North and South Kivu. Orientale province and in South Kivu have large gold deposits.
Based on 2006 reports, mining accounted for 16% of GDP in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of the mining sector was nationalized in the 1970s. State-owned companies include:
- Générale des carrières et des mines (Gécamines): copper and cobalt mines in Katanga
- Miniere de Bakwanga (Miba):kimberlite diamond mining in Kasai
- Office des mines d'or de Kilo-Moto (Okimo): gold mines of Kilomoto
