The 2007 Sino Congolaise des Mines ( Siconmines ) deal has failed to deliver on its promise , according to economists . The deal was expected to build infrastructure , such as schools and hospitals , in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) , in return for mining rights to cobalt and copper for Chinese partners . However , the project has been plagued by delays , rising costs and poor - quality infrastructure . Meanwhile , government is now reliant on China for mineral exports , while a freeze imposed on the minerals until the infrastructure and loans are repaid , the government will not receive significant income from the agreement for some time .
The 2007 Sino Congolaise des Mines (Siconmines) deal has failed to deliver on its promise, according to economists. The deal was expected to create infrastructure, such as roads and hospitals, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in return for mining rights to cobalt and copper for Chinese partners. However, the project has been dogged by delays, rising costs and poor-quality infrastructure. Meanwhile, DRC is now reliant on China for mineral exports, while a tax exemption on the minerals until the infrastructure and loans are repaid, means DRC will not receive significant income from the agreement for some time.