Burundi Signs Exploration Deal with KoBold and Lifezone for Critical Minerals

Burundi has signed a three-year agreement with US-based mining firms KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals to explore deposits of critical minerals used in clean energy technologies. KoBold Metals, backed by investors including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, will take part in the exploration effort. The move forms part of the government’s effort to attract international investors to its mining sector and improve understanding of the country’s mineral potential.

Burundi’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Energy, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hassan Kibeya, signed the memorandum of understanding in Washington, D.C. Lifezone Metals chief executive Chris Showalter and representatives of KoBold Metals also signed the agreement. Sarah Troutman presided over the ceremony.

Focus on Critical Minerals and Data

KoBold Metals counts prominent investors such as Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates among its backers. The company already runs exploration projects in central and southern Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. It focuses on minerals linked to battery and clean energy supply chains such as lithium, cobalt and copper.

Under the agreement, KoBold will digitise Burundi’s geological records and publish the data online by July. Authorities believe open access to the information could accelerate exploration and give investors clearer insight into the country’s mineral potential.

“We are pleased to help digitise Burundi’s geological data and make it immediately available to the public to stimulate discovery and economic development,” the company said in a statement.

Research Phase and Future Investment

Specialists will analyse large geological and geophysical datasets using advanced computing and artificial intelligence. Their goal is to identify areas that may contain lithium, cobalt, copper and other minerals important to future energy technologies.

Burundi’s government says the research phase could pave the way for future mining investment if commercially viable deposits emerge. The agreement will run for three years and includes an option for renewal. The deal also reflects growing global competition to secure minerals used in batteries, renewable energy systems and modern technology supply chains.