KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The Democratic Republic of the Congo is moving to gain greater control over the geological information behind its vast mineral wealth as the government seeks to strengthen the country's mining investment position.

The government is accelerating geological mapping, airborne surveys and digitisation of historical mining records to create a comprehensive national geological databank covering strategic resources.

A major part of the programme is a $180 million contract with Spain-based Xcalibur, whose geological data-mapping work began in January. The initiative is expected to improve knowledge of mineral deposits and reduce uncertainty for companies considering exploration projects.

The move is particularly significant because the DRC is the world's largest cobalt producer and one of the world's leading copper suppliers. Important deposits of cobalt, copper, lithium and tantalum remain underexplored, according to the latest reporting.

Under the planned system, geological information could be provided through different levels of access, with basic information available more widely while sensitive datasets could generate revenue for the state.

For the business community, better geological information could help companies identify exploration opportunities, assess mining risks and make investment decisions more efficiently.

The initiative also gives Kinshasa greater leverage when negotiating future mining agreements as international competition for critical minerals intensifies.

By turning geological information into a strategic national asset, the DRC is seeking to attract more investment while gaining greater influence over the future development of its mineral resources.