Copper Intelligence Goes Public in US with High-Grade DRC Asset

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 06, 2026 – In a move signaling a new chapter in the global race for critical minerals, African Discovery Group has completed a reverse takeover, acquired a major copper asset in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and rebranded as Copper Intelligence, Inc. The company is now the first stand-alone DRC-focused mining entity to be publicly traded in the United States, a transaction finalized against the backdrop of a high-level strategic minerals summit in Washington.

The deal for the Butembo copper concession in Eastern DRC was announced in parallel with a Strategic Minerals roundtable attended by US President Trump, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The event, which coincided with the launch of a new US critical minerals strategy dubbed 'Project Vault,' underscores the geopolitical significance of securing a stable copper supply chain outside of Chinese influence.

Through the binding Sales and Purchase Agreement, ownership of the Butembo mining license has been transferred to the US-domiciled Copper Intelligence, Inc., with shares issued to the former license holders. Andrew Groves, Chairman of Copper Intelligence, framed the development as a landmark achievement. "We are delighted to hold this status as a dedicated US company operating in Africa, aggregating assets in the DRC's highest grade copper deposits in the world," Groves stated. "The Technical Team will now drive shareholder value through a methodical exploration program, asset addition, and validation of results."

The New 'Great Game' for Critical Minerals

The timing and location of the announcement firmly place Copper Intelligence at the intersection of commerce and international strategy. The Washington roundtable and the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by Secretary Rubio highlight a concerted effort by the Trump administration to build an "ironclad network of new industrial supply chains" through its 'Project Vault' initiative.

This strategy aims to establish a preferential trade zone for critical minerals among allied nations, creating a bulwark against supply chain disruptions and challenging China's long-held dominance in the sector. President Tshisekedi's presence in Washington signals the DRC's pivotal role in this new alignment. A strategic partnership signed in late 2025 committed the DRC to providing the U.S. with access to a list of critical mineral assets, including copper, cobalt, and lithium.

Copper Intelligence's public listing in the U.S. represents one of the first major commercial manifestations of this deepening US-DRC minerals partnership. By providing US investors with direct exposure to a DRC-based asset, the company serves as a financial vehicle for this strategic pivot. This move, however, has not been without criticism within the DRC, where some opposition figures have voiced concerns over ceding control of the nation's vast mineral wealth.

A High-Stakes Bet on the Butembo Asset

At the heart of the transaction is the Butembo Copper Project, an asset the company describes as a "Tier one exploration opportunity." Located in Eastern DRC, approximately 50 kilometers from the Ugandan border, the project has delivered exceptionally promising initial results. According to the company, high-grade surface samples have returned copper assays as high as 18%. If such grades can be maintained at production scale, they would rank among the highest in the world.

The project is described as a near-surface deposit, which could translate to lower-cost, low-strip mining operations. Its strategic location near Uganda's Kilembe copper mine, which holds four million tons of verified reserves, and its claimed access to a rail line, further enhance its logistical potential. Initial exploration has identified a potential strike length of over five kilometers, suggesting a deposit of significant scale.

Alan Kessler, a Director and Founder of the company, expressed confidence in the venture's timing and potential. "We are confident Copper Intelligence holds the resources, timing and execution capability to embrace the global copper shortage, and create shareholder value as a pioneering African company," Kessler concluded.

Powering a Copper-Hungry World

The strategic rationale for both the US government and Copper Intelligence is underpinned by a looming global copper supply crisis. Driven by the explosive growth of electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and the massive power demands of AI data centers, global copper demand is soaring. Projections from S&P Global point to a potential 10-million-tonne supply gap by 2040, while the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that opening around 80 new major mines by 2030 is necessary to meet near-term demand.

This supply-demand imbalance has pushed copper prices to record highs, with some market analysts now calling it "the most important commodity in the world." J.P. Morgan Global Research has projected a significant refined copper deficit for 2026 alone. In this environment, the DRC, which accounted for 65% of all newly announced copper reserves worldwide in 2023, is more critical than ever.

Copper Intelligence is positioning itself to directly capitalize on this megatrend. By securing a potentially world-class asset in the world's premier copper jurisdiction and providing a direct investment pathway for US capital, the company is making a bold play to become a significant new force in the global copper market.

Navigating Opportunity and Risk in the DRC

While the opportunity is immense, the operational landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains complex. The nation sits on an estimated $24 trillion in mineral wealth, yet it faces persistent challenges related to governance, regulatory stability, and security, particularly in its eastern provinces where the Butembo project is located. The DRC government has recently demonstrated a stricter enforcement of its mining code, revoking licenses from companies for non-payment of fees, signaling a less permissive environment for operators.

Furthermore, the project's proximity to the ecologically sensitive Virunga National Park may attract scrutiny from environmental groups. Successfully navigating these challenges will be critical for Copper Intelligence. Director Aldo Cesano, who has over 40 years of experience in the region, addressed this directly, stating, "We believe Copper Intelligence will make a significant contribution to the people and communities of the DRC in which we work."

Fulfilling this promise of sustainable development while delivering on the high-grade geological potential of Butembo will be the defining test for this new, publicly traded venture. The company's journey will be closely watched not only by investors, but by governments and communities who see the company as a test case for the future of US-backed resource development in Africa.