Washington has been working for several months to increase the American role in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) mining industry, which is currently dominated by Chinese companies. The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and the second-largest producer of copper, both of which are essential for modern technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. In this context, NIU Invest, a London-based investment firm, is expanding its presence in the Congolese copper sector through its stake in Critical Metals, a junior mining company. On October 2, the firm announced the start of a field campaign at the Molulu project, a former copper and cobalt mine located about 100 kilometers from Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC. The project is 70% owned by Critical Metals, with NIU Invest holding a 52.07% stake. The field campaign includes mapping, trenching, and sample collection, which are meant to better understand the mineralized areas and assess the potential for initial mining operations. The campaign is supported by renewed financial backing from NIU Invest. In July, the firm committed to a £2.5 million (approximately $3.3 million) investment in the form of convertible debt, following a previous £2.1 million funding round in December 2025. This new funding is intended to support operations at Molulu, maintain cash flow, and also help refinance existing debt. NIU Invest has positioned itself as a player in the critical minerals market, aiming to become both an investor and a miner across several continents. The group seeks to build a portfolio that meets the needs of global industries, particularly those requiring copper and cobalt. Copper is used in electrical networks, while cobalt is a key component in some types of batteries. NIU Invest highlights the risks associated with China’s dominance in the DRC’s mining sector, where Chinese companies control several major copper and cobalt mines. Washington has been working to strengthen American influence in the region through a strategic partnership with Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, established at the end of 2025. This partnership gives American investors priority access to certain critical mineral projects in the DRC. Behind NIU Invest is Cevdet Caner, an Austrian investor active in real estate and mining. Based in Berlin and London, the company describes itself as a European investment firm. It shares ownership of Critical Metals with Axtmann Holding, a German family-owned company with interests in aviation and real estate. In September, Axtmann Holding increased its stake in Critical Metals to 19.64%. NIU Invest’s involvement in Africa extends beyond the DRC. In April 2025, the group announced the acquisition of Tati, a nickel and copper asset in Botswana. At Molulu, the next steps will depend on the results of the current field campaign. Once the data is verified, Critical Metals will need to determine if the area can support a trial mineral extraction before outlining the next phase of the project’s development. The outcomes of this campaign could play a key role in shaping the future of NIU Invest’s ambitions in the region.