Cobalt Supply Shock: Zijin says flooding at the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the DRC could cut 2026 output by up to 57,000 tonnes, nudging global copper prices above $14,000/tonne and underscoring how one Congolese site can ripple through electrification and AI supply chains. Cobalt “Cartel” Dynamics: A separate look at the DRC’s cobalt dominance (about 70% of mined output) highlights how Kinshasa’s export quota rules plus Chinese control of mining and refining can create cartel-like behavior without anyone formally declaring one. AI Mineral Prospecting: US miner KoBold Metals is sending AI-directed exploration teams into the Congolese bush, using GPS and connected tablets to speed critical-mineral searches as Washington tries to reduce China’s grip on copper and cobalt. Ebola Forecasting with Phone Data: DRC health teams are using anonymised mobile phone movement data to anticipate where Ebola may spread next, aiming to prepare high-risk areas earlier. Italy–DRC Skills Partnership: Italy’s Med-Or and Kinshasa signed an MoU to expand training and capacity-building, tied to Rome’s Mattei Plan push deeper into Central Africa. DRC Mining Value-Add Push: Kinshasa will host Makutano Mining (Nov 22–25, 2026), a forum focused on industrialising mining economies and financing local processing. Public Health Research Update: NanoViricides filed its annual report, noting Phase II progress for NV-387 oral gummies against mpox in the DRC.