#United States #New York #African Discovery Group #Butembo Copper #DRC Copper

African Discovery Group Gains Approval for Butembo Merger

On January 15, 2026, African Discovery Group (OTC: AFDG) announced a major achievement in its corporate journey: shareholders have officially approved the merger agreement with Butembo Copper, a subsidiary focused on expanding copper exploration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This strategic maneuver will create a new entity, Copper Intelligence, which aims to be the first publicly traded standalone company in the DRC listed in the United States.

The merger entails that AFDG will acquire 100% ownership of SOCIETE GRABIN MINING SAS, laying the groundwork for a dedicated copper exploration initiative that prioritizes under-explored regions within Africa and specifically, the DRC. During the announcement, Alan Kessler, AFDG's outgoing Chairman and CEO, emphasized the significance of this merger for shareholders and the promising outlook it presents for the global copper market.

Kessler highlighted that eight of the world's ten highest-grade copper deposits discovered since 1990 are located in Africa, underlining the continent's potential in mineral resources. Notably, the DRC is home to 65% of new copper reserves identified globally, presenting a lucrative opportunity for mining companies looking to invest in this sector. Resolving past geopolitical issues has opened avenues for commercialization that were previously barred. Kessler pointed out the favorable U.S. government policies under the Trump administration, which have facilitated this progress.

The demand for copper, driven by various factors including advancements in technology, electric vehicles, and even the push for renewable energy, highlights the critical future role of this mineral. As industries pursue modernization—particularly in telecommunications, AI-driven infrastructure, and rural electrification—copper's value and demand are expected to soar.

Kessler also acknowledged the overarching industry trends that have shaped a favorable environment for mining operations. The increased strategic importance placed on copper by the U.S. government has also coincided with notable mergers within the copper sector, which further strengthens the market. The executive team, now led by Andrew Groves and Aldo Cesano, possesses extensive experience in developing mining projects in the DRC and is committed to transforming Copper Intelligence into a pioneering company within the African mining landscape.

As AFDG ratifies this merger, stakeholders anticipate its swift closure, pending the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. This milestone will undoubtedly serve as a pivotal point in not just AFDG's corporate trajectory but also in the broader context of African corporations gaining visibility and investment opportunities in global markets.

As the world increasingly turns its focus toward sustainable and responsible sourcing of minerals, the pathway carved out by this merger could not be more timely. With Copper Intelligence, the DRC stands on the brink of becoming a formidable player in the global copper arena, setting the stage for a new era of economic growth fueled by natural resources and strategic investments in mining.

In conclusion, the approval of the Butembo merger by AFDG's shareholders signifies a critical step in establishing a strong foothold in one of the richest copper reserves locations globally. This process not only benefits the company but also provides a promising outlook for the DRC's mining sector and its global contributions in the upcoming years.