DR Congo is moving to strengthen state control over geological information that could guide billions of dollars in future mining investment. The country is developing a national geological databank through mapping, airborne surveys, and digitization of historical records. The databank is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, and DR Congo plans a tiered access system, offering basic information freely while charging for more sensitive datasets. According to government officials, the data will help protect strategic interests, reduce exploration risk, and improve the government’s negotiating position with firms looking to invest in the country’s mining industry. DR Congo, the world’s top cobalt producer, still has roughly 80% of its territory poorly explored. Analysts say controlling geological intelligence could prove more consequential than the country’s earlier cobalt export restrictions, shaping where future exploration capital flows.