The Congolese president’s visit to Kazakhstan, the first ever between the two countries, marked by economic, mining, and diplomatic issues, is followed by a meeting with delegations and the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding.

Areas such as mining, geology, the use of artificial intelligence in mines, as well as the training of managers and technicians are at the heart of these instruments, aimed at promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

According to Radio Okapi, the operations in the DRC of the Luxembourg-based mining giant Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), 40 percent-owned by the Kazakh state, should feature prominently in the talks.

The company is one of the world’s leading producers of ferrochrome, alumina, copper, and cobalt, and is a leading investor in Africa, particularly in the DRC and Zambia.

However, as of March 2024, Congolese authorities canceled ERG’s registration in the subcontracting market, accusing it of concealing the ownership of nine subcontracting companies that together control 98 percent of the local markets.

The company denied the accusations, however, reiterated its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, as well as its cooperation with the regulatory body on this matter and the implementation of the relevant recommendations.

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