Dr Congo copper coming: political risks certainly exist, writes Priscilla Ross, but investment in DRC copper production could go the same way as Zambia's firm rebound. After all the famed Copperbelt straddles the border.(Mining)

STRONG COPPER PRICES are bringing a revival of interest in the Copperbelt of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A World Bank report in the mid- to late-1990s estimated some US$2-3bn was necessary just to restore production in the DRC to 300,000 tonnes a year.

This is Africa's third-largest country, the size of Western Europe. All its 11 provinces are rich in minerals. It has a GDP of around US$7bn and a current account surplus of US$20bn; it also has a US$10bn bilateral agreement with South Africa.

In early June energy minister Saloman Baliene said that ...