By: China Global south project

In late November, China’s Foreign Ministry issued a stark warning regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), noting a sharp deterioration of the security situation in the east. The ministry highlighted a resurgence of armed clashes, extremist activity, and attacks against foreign workers.

The DRC is a cornerstone of the global copper-cobalt supply chain, hosting numerous major Chinese mining companies. These firms, including Zijin, CMOC, and Huayou, operate large-scale projects concentrated in the country's southern provinces, far from the immediate eastern conflict zones.

Key operations are clustered in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. For instance, Zijin’s Kamoa-Kakula project, Africa's largest high-grade copper deposit, is located in Kolwezi. Other significant projects in the region include CMOC’s TFM and KFM mines and MMG’s Kinsevere mine.

While geographically distant from the fighting, these mines face indirect risks. The primary vulnerability lies in their dependence on transport infrastructure. Key road and rail links to ports in Tanzania and South Africa could be disrupted if conflict escalates or triggers nationwide political instability, threatening the shipment of copper concentrate.

Beyond logistics, a deeper risk exists. Prolonged instability could undermine national governance, leading to regulatory uncertainty, contract disputes, and broader operational challenges. For long-term mining investments, these systemic threats can be more damaging than direct conflict.

Consequently, Chinese companies are advised to prepare for a wider range of scenarios. This includes securing transport routes, reinforcing evacuation plans, strengthening community relations, and closely monitoring the political situation in the capital, Kinshasa, to safeguard their critical investments.