The Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining sector is poised for major growth, set to generate over 200,000 new direct jobs and contribute up to 25% of national GDP by 2030, according to forecasts from the World Bank and CEREK.
Annual copper production is expected to rise to 2.5 million tons—up from 1.8 million in 2022—while cobalt output is projected to double to 250,000 tons. These gains are driven by soaring demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. Already responsible for 70% of the world’s cobalt and ranked as Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC’s mining hub in Katanga is key to this expansion.
Sarens, a global leader in heavy lifting and crane services, is playing a crucial role in this development. Active in the DRC since 2024 through its joint venture with DGC Africa, Sarens DGC SAS operates from Kolwezi. The company provides not only technical expertise and high-capacity cranes but also invests in training local operators, especially in Kolwezi and Lubumbashi.
Sarens recently supported the Kamoa Copper Mining Complex by installing critical infrastructure for Phase 3 of its smelter project, expected to raise annual copper output to 650,000 tons. The equipment included three 220-ton furnaces and a 196-ton steam dryer, lifted with a Terex Demag CC2800-1 crawler crane brought from Angola.
“With our presence in the Copper Belt, we aim to support both economic growth and community development,” said Tim Biesemans, Regional Director-Southern Africa at Sarens.
