Kobold Metals Highlights AI-Powered Exploration and Long-Term Mining Opportunities in the DRC
Speaking during the panel discussion titled “Mining Exploration: From Geological Uncertainty to Strategic Planning” at DRC Mining Week 2026, Benjamin Katabuka, Managing Director of Kobold Metals DRC, outlined the company’s vision for the future of mineral exploration in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Addressing participants gathered at the Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia conference venue, Katabuka emphasized that one of the country’s biggest challenges remains the lack of detailed geological data across large parts of the DRC.
Despite this limitation, Kobold Metals has leveraged available geological information to identify and invest in areas with significant mineral potential.
According to Katabuka, the Manono region stands out as one of the most promising exploration areas in the country.
The region is home to the Roche Dure deposit, widely recognized as one of the world’s largest known lithium and tin deposits.
The geological data available for the area played a key role in Kobold Metals’ decision to launch exploration and research programs there.
“There are still dozens of potential exploration targets within this region, which is why we continue to advance our research efforts,” Katabuka said.
He also sought to dispel a common misconception surrounding the mining industry that mineral exploration automatically leads to rapid resource development and mine construction.
Katabuka explained that mining projects are inherently long-term investments that require years of geological research, technical studies, and economic assessments before production can begin.
“Many people believe that a mine can be built shortly after exploration starts. In reality, it often takes several years to confirm the existence of a deposit that is economically viable to develop,” he noted.
According to Katabuka, the exploration phase alone can last between two and four years before a significant discovery is confirmed.
Once a viable deposit has been identified, additional years are required to complete feasibility studies, secure financing, develop supporting infrastructure, and construct mining facilities.
As a result, the full timeline from initial exploration to commercial production can easily span a decade.
The Kobold Metals DRC Managing Director also highlighted the advanced technologies being deployed by the company to accelerate exploration activities.
By combining artificial intelligence, sophisticated geological data analysis, and modern exploration techniques, Kobold Metals aims to improve the identification of mineral resources buried deep below the surface.
For the company, the DRC remains one of the world’s most prospective regions for discovering new strategic mineral deposits, particularly as the global energy transition drives rising demand for lithium, copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals.
Through its exploration investments, Kobold Metals aims to expand the country’s geological knowledge base while laying the groundwork for future mining projects that could further strengthen the DRC’s position in global critical minerals supply chains.
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