DRC tightens state control over mining data in bid to boost influence over its vast mineral wealth

The Democratic Republic of Congo is tightening state control over the geological data underpinning billions of dollars in mining exploration, as the country seeks greater influence over the development of its vast mineral wealth.

Under a 180-million-dollar contract with Spanish company Xcalibur, Congo is mapping its territory and digitising historical geological records to build a national database of critical mineral resources.

The…