The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced plans to establish a new paramilitary unit tasked with securing its vast mining sector, as the government seeks to strengthen oversight and attract foreign investment amid ongoing instability.
The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) confirmed that the unit, referred to as a “mining guard,” will be deployed to protect extraction sites, oversee the transport of minerals, and safeguard the broader supply chain. The initiative is backed by approximately $100 million in funding from the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Authorities plan to roll out the force gradually, beginning with an initial contingent of 2,500 to 3,000 recruits expected to complete six months of training and deploy by December. The unit is projected to expand to more than 20,000 personnel across the country’s 22 mining provinces by 2028.
Inspector General of Mines Rafael Kabengele emphasized that the effort aims to reform the sector, stating it is intended to “clean up the entire mining sector, by eliminating practices that run counter to good governance, transparency and the traceability of minerals.”
The resource-rich nation produces roughly 70% of the world’s cobalt supply and holds significant reserves of copper, coltan, and lithium—minerals critical to electric vehicle batteries and advanced technologies. However, illegal mining and armed conflict, particularly in the eastern regions, have long disrupted operations and supply chains.
The new force is expected to assume responsibilities currently handled by the national military, including escorting mineral shipments and securing key infrastructure. The move comes as Washington seeks to expand its access to strategic minerals and counter the dominant presence of Chinese firms in the sector.
The initiative also aligns with broader regional efforts to stabilize eastern Congo, where clashes involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continue despite ongoing negotiations.
