DR Congo’s Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba launched an airborne geological survey programme on 6 October to map the country’s mineral potential. Spanish geophysics firm Xcalibur will survey Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu and the Greater Kasai region for the national geological service, raising modern mapping coverage from 22.27% to 46.1% of the country. DR Congo is the world’s largest cobalt producer and Africa’s leading copper producer, but less than 10% of its territory has been explored in detail. Better data would lower exploration risk for investors and strengthen the government’s hand in talks with mining companies and with partners such as the United States that seek critical minerals.