Democratic Republic of Congo to establish specialized unit for mine security

This significant reform is a key component of a broader initiative to enhance governance within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s crucial mining sector. The 20,000 recruits, once fully trained, will be tasked with a multifaceted mission: safeguarding large-scale mining operations, providing oversight for artisanal mining activities, and bolstering the traceability of mineral exports from the country.

As of now, Congolese authorities have not disclosed the specific identity of the private company contracted to establish and train this new paramilitary unit.

The commencement of training for these mining guards is anticipated for September of this year, with the very first battalion scheduled for deployment to the mineral-rich Katanga region by January 2027.

While the national army and police forces have traditionally been deployed around mining sites, certain provinces, such as Lualaba, also rely on private security agents. These local personnel are recruited and undergo training directly within the province by local security firms that are officially registered with state security services.

Henri Kasongo Mutata, the coordinator of the diocesan commission for natural resources and the environment in Lualaba province, confirmed this established practice. “The security of mining sites here in Lualaba is presently ensured by the mining police, working in conjunction with various security companies,” he stated. “Private guards are engaged by mining title holders to secure their respective sites.”

Towards safer, less criminal mining environments

The Democratic Republic of Congo possesses extensive reserves of valuable minerals, including copper, cobalt, tin, coltan, gold, lithium, and zinc. Despite numerous agreements authorizing exploitation by various companies, including American firms, some of these critical mining sites remain inaccessible. This challenge is primarily due to the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country. A prominent example is the Rubaya coltan mine, considered one of the world’s most significant, which is currently controlled by AFC-M23 rebels. This situation is a deep concern for experts such as Crispine Ngena, an ecofeminist activist specializing in women’s involvement in natural resource management.

“The foremost challenge is the militarization of these sites. I see no respect for rights within these ‘jungles.’ I see no application of standards,” Ngena emphasized. “The second point is whether the Congolese state truly possesses the capacity to render these mines less criminogenic and to ensure that foreign companies adhere to established norms and respect fundamental rights, particularly the rights of indigenous peoples and women in these areas, which are already characterized by lawlessness.”

In a separate development, for several months, private security teams linked to Erik Prince, the founder of the former Blackwater company, have been deployed across various mining locations. These operations are concentrated around Kolwezi and Kisangani, spanning the Lualaba and Tshopo provinces. Their stated primary objectives include enhancing mine security, improving the collection of taxes, and actively combating mineral smuggling.