DRCONGO-MINING
An aerial view of the entrance to the underground mine operated by Kamoa Copper S.A. in Kolwezi, in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 22, 2026. In vast warehouses at the Kamoa copper mine in the southeastern DR Congo, mountains of reddish rocks pile up as the machines grind away day and night.
As big as a small country, the deposit is one of the Democratic Republic of Congo's hidden treasures -- the centre of a global race for critical minerals.
In the ultra-modern installations, thousands of workers churn out the red gold -- coveted by international markets for its exceptionally high copper content.
China has long been mining it and now, too, the United States is vying for a share, seeking to challenge Beijing's hold on the strategic minerals used to make cars, phones and weapons. (Photo by GLODY MURHABAZI / AFP)
foto Glody Murhabazi
FotoID: HN:20260625789299
