• New unit of up to 20,000 agents to protect mining sites and supply chains
• $100 million initiative backed by the United States and UAE
• Move targets insecurity, weak oversight, and risks in artisanal mining

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced the creation of a paramilitary unit dedicated to securing its mining sector. This industry is a key pillar of the country’s economy and a critical link in global supply chains for strategic minerals.

The initiative, announced in a statement on April 27 by the General Inspectorate of Mines, will be backed by $100 million in funding with support from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. It marks a shift in how security is organized across the sector.

The new force is expected to deploy up to 3,000 armed recruits by December, before scaling up gradually to 20,000 personnel by 2028. Its mission will include protecting production sites, ensuring the traceability of mineral transport, and replacing existing security arrangements.

At present, mining sites are mainly secured by the police, with occasional involvement from the military and presidential guard, often in ways that conflict with the mining code. The new unit is intended to replace these arrangements, which authorities see as ineffective. Initial deployment will focus on the Katanga region in the southeast, rich in copper and cobalt, as well as zinc, lithium, gold, tin, and tantalum.

Authorities have not specified the exact origin or structure of the U.S. and Emirati funding, nor whether it comes from public or private sources.

A strategic sector under pressure

As the world’s top cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer, the DRC plays a central role in the global energy transition. While large industrial projects account for part of the output, a significant share of mining remains artisanal, involving millions of workers. This fragmented structure makes oversight difficult and raises concerns about traceability and labor conditions.

A study published by the University of Nottingham in August 2025 found that 56.9% of artisanal cobalt miners reported experiencing forms of forced labor, highlighting the scale of social challenges in the sector. At the same time, mining revenues continue to fuel armed groups, particularly in the eastern part of the country, where control over mineral-rich areas remains contested.

The plan to create a dedicated security force comes as Kinshasa strengthens ties with Washington. In December, the two countries formalized an economic partnership granting U.S. companies preferential access to mining and infrastructure projects. In return, the Congolese government committed to improving the business environment and reducing corruption and insecurity in the sector.

These arrangements, often framed as “resources-for-security” deals, have raised concerns. Some analysts warn of risks to national sovereignty and potential losses in public revenue tied to complex and opaque agreements.

The new force could help improve site security and mineral traceability. Its long-term effectiveness, however, will depend on the government’s ability to manage these partnerships, formalize artisanal mining, and enforce stronger governance in a sector that remains central to the country’s economy.

Olivier de Souza