00:00The Democratic Republic of Congo is tightening state control over the geological data
00:05and underpinning billions of dollars in mining exploration
00:09as the country seeks greater influence over the development of its vast mineral wealth.
00:15Under a $180 million contract with Spanish company Excalibur,
00:21Congo is mapping its territory and digitalizing historical geological records
00:26to build a national database of critical mineral resources.
00:30The government plans to restrict access to data through a tiered fee-based system,
00:36arguing that geological information is strategic national infrastructure.
00:41The move could give Kinshasa greater leverage in negotiations with mining companies
00:46and help attract investment by reducing the risks associated with mineral exploration.
Comments