Chinese companies have emerged as preferred partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo's mining industry, with Australian firm AVZ Minerals losing permits due to non-payment of fees. This reflects a shift in the sector's dynamics, with implications for international players.

Two significant decisions within eight days made by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo reflect the current state of its mining industry, where Chinese companies have emerged as preferred partners. On March 19, DR Congo’s Mining Registry announced the cancellation of mining permits held by Australia’s AVZ Minerals for non-payment of surface rights fees. It was the second cancellation in three years suffered by the company in DR Congo after its Manono lithium concession was revoked...