China plans to plough at least $ 5 billion into rehabilitating infrastructure and mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo in what would be one of its most ambitious ventures in sub-Saharan Africa, Congolese officials on Tuesday said. In an initial phase, the Chinese would be repaid in copper and cobalt, Viktor Kasongo, Congo’s Deputy Mines Minister told the FT. But the deal, a draft of which was signed on Monday, also envisages concessions in nickel and gold, and repayment from tolls on railways and roads yet to be built.



Existing mining contracts and concessions held by foreign groups would not be affected, Kasongo said. …If the funds are disbursed, they would make Congo one of the top recipients of Chinese investment in Africa as Beijing drives to secure mineral and other commodities to fuel its booming domestic economy. …” [The Financial Times (UK)]. BBC News adds that “…A first phase of $3 billion will finance big transport infrastructure projects in the DRC including a 3,400km highway between the northeast city of Kisangani and Kasumbalesa on the border with Zambia.



There will also be a 3,200 km (2,000 mile) railway to link the country's southern mining heartland to the main Atlantic port of Matadi in the west. …

A further $2 billion is earmarked for rehabilitating the crumbling mining infrastructure and setting up joint ventures in the mines sector. …” [BBC News (UK)]. Reuters notes that “… ‘This agreement will allow us to carry out important large-scale projects,’ Congolese Infrastructure and Public Works Minister Pierre Lumbi told Reuters. …If fully disbursed, the loan will be one of the biggest Chinese financial commitments on the African continent. …The $3 billion infrastructure segment includes plans to build 31 hospitals, 145 health centers, and two universities. …