The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has decided to form a new paramilitary force to guard its mining sector.
Leaders believe this step will help protect valuable resources and bring better control to an industry often affected by conflict and illegal activities.
The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) shared details of the plan, calling the new force “the mining guard.” This team will monitor mining operations and ensure that minerals move safely from extraction sites to their destinations.
The government will fund the project with support from the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
These partners have shown strong interest in securing steady access to the country’s mineral resources, especially as armed groups continue to disrupt activities in the eastern regions.
Officials described the unit as a “paramilitary special unit intended to secure the entire mineral exploitation chain.” Authorities plan to build the force in stages over the next few years.
“By the end of 2028, a gradual deployment is planned of a workforce of more than 20,000 guards covering the 22 mining provinces under IGM supervision,” the body said in a statement.
Training will last six months for each recruit, and the first group is expected to begin work in December.
President Felix Tshisekedi supports the initiative as part of a broader push to reform the mining industry. The Inspector General of Mines, Rafael Kabengele, explained that the goal is to improve accountability and eliminate harmful practices.
He said the government wants to “clean up the entire mining sector, by eliminating practices that run counter to good governance, transparency and the traceability of minerals”.
The project carries an estimated cost of $100 million and relies on international partnerships to move forward.
The DRC remains a key player in global mineral supply. It produces about 70 per cent of the world’s cobalt, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries and modern technology. The country also holds large deposits of copper, coltan, and lithium.
However, competition over these resources has fueled instability. Armed groups continue to fight for control, especially in the eastern part of the country. Tensions involving neighbouring Rwanda have also contributed to the unrest.
Despite these challenges, global interest in the DRC’s minerals continues to grow. While Chinese companies currently dominate the sector, the US is working to expand its influence.
The DRC has already strengthened ties with American partners. Under a recent agreement, Virtus Minerals has taken control of copper and cobalt operations previously run by Chemaf.
