The Democratic Republic of the Congo plans to establish a dedicated paramilitary force to secure its mining sector, as authorities seek to strengthen control over critical mineral production amid rising global demand. The government has allocated an initial $100 million to recruit and deploy up to 3,000 armed personnel by December, with the force expected to expand to 20,000 “mining guards” nationwide by 2028.
The unit will be tasked with securing mining operations, overseeing the transport of minerals and enforcing regulatory compliance, replacing existing deployments of police, military and presidential guard units. Officials said the initiative aims to reduce illegal mining activity and standardize security oversight in line with the national mining code.
Initial deployment will focus on the Katanga region, which hosts substantial reserves of copper and cobalt alongside zinc, lithium, gold and tantalum. The region is central to global supply chains for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing, increasing its strategic importance as demand for battery metals accelerates.
The move comes as Kinshasa expands engagement with international partners, including Gulf states and Western economies, to strengthen trade links and attract foreign investment into priority mining projects. The government is positioning the country as a key supplier in global critical mineral markets, particularly for copper and cobalt.
Authorities said the creation of a specialized security force is intended to improve governance, safeguard production and enhance supply chain traceability. The initiative reflects ongoing challenges linked to security risks, informal mining and regulatory enforcement in a sector that underpins a significant share of the country’s export revenues.
