The country is well known for its extensive mineral wealth, especially the Copper Belt situated in the Katanga Province along the border with Zambia. The copper mines were historically operated by the State producer La Generale des Carrieres et des Mines (“Gecamines”) but due to the war the mines fell into disrepair and became uneconomic. In recent years the copper mines have received extensive interest from large international mining companies. These mines are being redeveloped. The DRC is also a major diamond producer primarily from artisanal operations situated in the Tshikapa, Mbuji Mayi and Kinsingani areas.

The DRC has the third largest population and the second largest land area in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is rich in natural and human resources, including the second largest rain forest in the world, fertile soils, ample rainfall, as well as considerable and varied mineral resources. Other minerals mined in the DRC include gold, cassiterite and coltan.