Résumé : In order to understand the links between copper exploitation and the origins of the Kongo and Teke kingdoms, the areas around Mindouli andMbé in the Republic of Congo have been surveyed. Several sites with remains of copper metallurgy have been found in the vicinity of Mindouli. Two of them have been test excavated. These results and the preliminary contact and surveys in the Mbé area are promising for future archaeological research in the country.