Mayer Brown appointed by The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the Sicomines Project Audit

London / Paris – Mayer Brown has been appointed as legal counsel to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to advise on a comprehensive audit of the Sino-Congolaise des Mines (Sicomines) project. The Sicomines Collaboration Agreement, one of the largest minerals-for-infrastructure arrangements in Africa, was signed in 2008 and established significant copper and cobalt mining operations in exchange for the construction of critical infrastructure throughout the country.

Initially valued at around USD 9 billion, the project comprises a mining component worth some USD 3 billion and an infrastructure component valued at approximately USD 6 billion.  The infrastructure commitments include the construction of roads, stadiums, hospitals, universities, and other essential public facilities.

Following Amendment No. 5 to the original Collaboration Agreement, signed in 2024, the Government of the DRC—through the Agency for the Steering, Coordination and Monitoring of Agreements (APCSC)—has appointed Mayer Brown, as part of a consortium of advisors, to provide guidance across legal, financial, and technical matters related to the review.

After engaging with APCSC, represented by its Managing Director M. Freddy Shembo, Olivier Mélédo, Global Co-Head of the Africa Practice, who will lead the Mayer Brown multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional project team commented: "We are honoured to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the APCSC in this important review. The Sicomines Project represents a landmark partnership in the development of the country’s natural resources and infrastructure. Mayer Brown is committed to bringing the full depth of our resources, energy, and infrastructure knowledge to support the DRC in this critical undertaking".

The project is of major strategic importance both regionally and globally. The DRC produces around 70% of the world’s cobalt and holds roughly half of global reserves. This critical mineral is essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. As the global energy transition accelerates, ensuring the responsible and transparent management of these resources is vital for the DRC and for the security of international supply chains.