Congo's Rich Resources

The question of whether the Congo River Basin is worth substantial investment might be one of skepticism for European nations unfamiliar with its specific conditions. This uncertainty is likely to result in a lack of significant attention from these countries.

However, for Constantine, such doubts did not exist. The Congo River Basin boasts an abundance of natural rubber forests. Rubber trees thrive in high-temperature, high-humidity conditions with calm winds and fertile soil. These conditions align perfectly with the climate of the Congo River Basin, which spans both the north and south of the equator, characterized by high temperatures and regular rainfall.

In the late 19th century, during the second industrial revolution, the invention of the internal combustion engine marked a significant era. The rapid development of the automobile industry, heavily reliant on rubber for tires, led to a surge in demand for this crucial raw material.

The importance of rubber during this period is exemplified by its connection to historical events, such as the financial difficulties faced by the Qing government in the late Qing Dynasty. The rush to invest in rubber stocks led to the downfall of the Qing government, emphasizing the significance of the rubber boom at the end of the 19th century.

Apart from rubber, the Congo River Basin is home to a vast number of African elephants, a source of coveted ivory carvings. The ivory, delicately carved into items like folding fans, jewelry boxes, and piano keys, gained popularity among nobles and merchants.

Furthermore, the Congo River Basin is rich in metal deposits, with copper mines accounting for a substantial portion of the world's total reserves. The electrification characteristic of the second industrial revolution increased the demand for copper, making Congo's copper mines immensely valuable. The Congo's copper reserves are not only extensive but also boast high-grade copper ore, with concentrations reaching 30%.

In addition to copper, the Kasai area in the Congo holds enormous diamond reserves, establishing the region as a key producer of industrial diamonds globally. Gold deposits in the Eastern Province are estimated to be in the tens of thousands of kilograms, making Congo a significant player in gold production.

The Kasai area is also known for its substantial diamond reserves, making Congo a major producer of industrial diamonds worldwide.

Beyond these valuable resources, the Congo River Basin is blessed with abundant forest resources. Nearly half of the entire area of the basin is covered by forests, including tropical rainforests. This lush environment, often referred to as the second lung of the earth, contains a variety of precious woods such as ebony, mahogany, ash, rosewood, and yellow lacquer wood.

The Congo region's vegetation includes tropical crops like cocoa, sugarcane, and cotton. This diverse array of resources, from precious woods to tropical crops, presents an economic opportunity for Congo and those who choose to invest in its development.