Mineral Stamps from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (previously Zaïre)

Before it was known as Zaire, the country was called the Republic of the Congo. Here are the key dates:

• June 30, 1960: The country declared independence from Belgium and was initially named the Republic of the Congo.
• October 27, 1971: The country’s name was changed to Zaire under President Mobutu Sese Seko.
• May 18, 1997: The country’s name was changed back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo after Mobutu was overthrown.

As Zaïre

1983: Minerals. A set of eight stamps.

Minerals Represented: Bournonite, dioptase, and cuprite. Missing malachite, smoky quartz, gold, “uranium and pitchblende”, and cassiterite.