DRC Mines Ministry Signs Energy Partnership with ONYO-BT SARL to Address Power Shortages in Mining Sector

Why It Matters

Reliable electricity is critical for scaling the DRC’s $10 billion‑plus mining exports, and this public‑private partnership offers a replicable model to overcome chronic power shortages. Successful pilots could unlock higher output, lower costs, and attract further clean‑tech investment to the country’s strategic sectors.

Key Takeaways

• ONYO‑BT SARL will pilot off‑grid power at Lupatapata mining site
• Partnership aims to reduce mining downtime caused by unreliable grid
• DRC ministry will streamline permits for clean energy projects
• Pilot could expand to Greater Kasai region, boosting production
• Initiative aligns with President Tshisekedi’s industrial‑energy diversification plan

Pulse Analysis

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining industry, responsible for more than $10 billion in annual export revenue, has long been hamstrung by chronic power shortages. Frequent blackouts force operators to rely on diesel generators, inflating costs and limiting output. Recognizing that reliable electricity is a prerequisite for scaling production, the Ministry of Mines signed a memorandum of understanding with ONYO‑BT SARL on June 12, 2026. The agreement signals a shift toward private‑sector innovation to fill the gap left by an under‑developed national grid.

ONYO‑BT SARL specializes in autonomous, off‑grid power units that generate electricity without combustion or smoke, positioning the technology within the emerging clean‑energy niche for remote industrial sites. The first deployment will connect the Lupatapata site in Kasai Oriental to the MIBA processing plant and its workers’ residential complex, creating a self‑contained micro‑grid. By bypassing the national transmission network, the pilot promises higher reliability, lower operating expenses, and a template that can be replicated across the mineral‑rich Greater Kasai basin, where similar infrastructure gaps persist.

The partnership dovetails with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s broader agenda to diversify energy sources for strategic sectors and attract foreign investment. By providing a clear pathway for permits and regulatory support, the ministry reduces bureaucratic friction, encouraging other clean‑tech firms to enter the market. If the pilot delivers the projected uptime improvements, mining firms could see production gains of up to 15 percent, translating into higher export volumes and tax revenues. Successful scaling would also position the DRC as a showcase for off‑grid solutions in other energy‑intensive African economies.