[Ferro-Alloys.com] Japanese firm Asia Mineral Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Congolese company Kerith Resources to begin manganese mining operations in the Luozi region of Kongo Central province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The signing ceremony took place in Osaka, Japan, in the presence of DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during the DRC-Japan Economic Forum, held alongside the 2025 World Expo.

The mining project targets an annual output of at least 2 million tonnes of manganese, a critical mineral used in steel production and electric battery manufacturing.

In her closing remarks at the economic forum, Prime Minister Suminwa hailed the agreement as a significant step in the DRC’s strategy to diversify its mining economy.

“Built on frank and constructive political dialogue, our partnership with Japan reflects a shared commitment to ambitious, sustainable public-private cooperation,” she stated.

The DRC government has outlined a long-term development vision leading up to 2050, aiming for structural economic transformation.

According to the Prime Minister, the administration is working to create a more competitive and stable business climate, encouraging productive investments in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and energy.

“Our goal is to fully leverage the country’s resource potential to build a diversified economy that promotes inclusive growth and lasting peace,” she added.

The joint venture between Kerith Resources and Asia Mineral Limited is expected to strengthen Japan’s investment presence in the DRC, which has remained limited since the exit of Nippon Mining in 1983.

Speaking at the forum, Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring that mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to national development.

He noted that Asia Mineral Limited aligns well with the DRC’s strategic priorities, including agriculture, digital infrastructure, tourism, health, and education.

Japan’s renewed interest in DRC mining is seen as a strategic re-engagement with the Central African nation.

According to Kerith Resources CEO Fely Samuna, the formal creation of the joint venture company—Kivuvu Congo Mines—is scheduled within two weeks.

The company will be registered in the Kongo Central Trade Registry, reinforcing local ownership and involvement.

The project will move into a community awareness phase, aimed at informing and involving local populations. Samuna outlined the expected economic impact:

2,500 direct jobs

At least 1,500 indirect jobs

Ripple effects in logistics, energy, agriculture, and trade

By August 2025, the company will begin aerial prospecting, deploying specialized aircraft from South Africa to conduct targeted surveys of manganese deposits, avoiding random exploration.

The prospecting phase is projected to last approximately two years, after which extraction will begin.

The joint venture’s initial capital investment is estimated at $20 million USD, with Asia Mineral Limited holding a 60% stake and Kerith Resources owning 40%.

Samuna underscored the project’s social obligations, announcing a series of initiatives for local development:

A micro-dam to supply electricity for the plant and local communities

A ferry to enhance mobility for residents of the remote coastal region

Long-term support for education, healthcare, and infrastructure

Luozi, a region already experienced in oil exploitation, is set to become a new hub for manganese mining, contributing further to the DRC’s industrial and economic growth.

This ambitious venture marks a new chapter in Japan-DRC economic cooperation, reflecting a shift toward sustainable, high-impact investment in Africa’s resource sector.

• [Editor:tianyawei]