It will provide at least 61,200 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide, or about a quarter of its annual production, to the Chinese company.

The mining and metals sector is facing greater scrutiny from end consumers, demanding a transparent, ethical supply chain.

It's the latest initiative in eastern DRC to improve systems meant to show minerals entering global supply chains come from mines that don’t use child labour or fund warlords and corrupt soldiers.

A joint action plan being drafted by senior officials in the two countries will be presented to the political party that forms the next government after the Oct. 21 election.

Company will use the funds to expand its ongoing drilling work in the ancient mining region of Cornwall, south-west England.