DRC Deploys Military to Guard Mineral Resources

Why this is here: Chinese companies currently dominate much of the DRC’s mining sector, particularly in the production of cobalt.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is deploying a new paramilitary unit to protect its mines and mineral transport routes. The DRC will fund this unit with support from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Previously, mining companies relied on private security firms, such as Frontier Services Group Congo, to safeguard assets.

This new initiative aims to deploy roughly 20,000 personnel to mining provinces by 2028. The unit will fall under the supervision of the General Inspectorate of Mines, working to reduce smuggling and improve mineral traceability. Researchers recently examined the DRC’s resource governance, finding that while the 2018 Mining Code strengthened regulations, enforcement remains a challenge.

The DRC holds approximately 75% of global cobalt output, making it central to international competition for resources. While national security forces have guarded mining areas before, past involvement sometimes reinforced corruption and abuses.

Effective resource governance requires legal accountability for companies and enforceable rights for local communities, issues that currently limit progress. The work to secure and responsibly manage these resources continues.