DRC and Belgium Agree on Roadmap for Restitution of Geological Archives

The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated the process to reclaim its geological archives held by Belgium. Congolese and Belgian authorities met in Brussels on June 9, 2026, to lay the groundwork for a roadmap concerning the digitization and gradual return of these strategic data, gathered over decades of research and exploration within Congo.

The Congolese government views these archives not merely as historical documents but as crucial scientific heritage. Access to this high-quality data will enable national geoscientists to enhance their understanding of the nation's mineral potential, strengthen local exploration capabilities, and better direct investments toward new deposits. Beyond the technical aspects, this initiative aims to bolster Congo's geoscientific sovereignty.

By improving the documentation of its mining sector, the DRC hopes to increase its competitiveness and attract more international investors. Representatives from the European Union, involved in financing and providing technical support for the digitization project, also participated in the Brussels discussions.

Following the talks, stakeholders agreed to establish a bilateral task force. This committee will be responsible for developing a joint roadmap and ensuring rigorous oversight of the digitization process and the progressive transfer of these valuable data to Kinshasa.