Gécamines S.A. was established in 1906 when Société Générale de Belgique -Union Miniere du Haut Katanga (UMHK) merged with Tanganyika Concessions Ltd. In 1967, UMHK became Congolese General Minerals (GECOMIN). In 1970 GECOMIN became Congolese General Mines (GÉCOMINES) which in 1972 became Gécamines. State-controlled corporation Gécamines S.A. (a contraction of the title La Générale des Carrières et des Mines), explores, researches, exploits and produces various mineral deposits. It is also involved in securities and property within the commercial, industrial and financial sectors, as well as development activities in farming and agriculture. Gécamines S.A. is the largest mining company in the DRC, one of the largest in Africa, and owns the world’s largest deposits of cobalt.