The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans to establish a specialized security unit dedicated to protecting mining sites, in a move aimed at addressing long-standing insecurity in the country’s extractive sector.
According to the national mining oversight authority, the new force will bring together military personnel and technical specialists tasked with securing mining infrastructure and improving safety in key production zones.
The initial deployment is expected to involve more than 3,000 personnel by December 2026, with an estimated first-phase budget of around $100 million.
Authorities say the unit could be expanded to about 20,000 personnel by 2028, reflecting a broader strategy to strengthen state control over strategic mineral-rich areas across the country.
Operations are set to begin in the mineral-rich Katanga region in the southeast, an area rich in gold, lithium, zinc, tin, and coltan, but also frequently affected by armed conflict, illegal mining, and smuggling networks.
Despite the deployment of regular army and police units in mining zones, officials say insecurity and illicit exploitation remain persistent challenges, necessitating a more specialized and coordinated response.
The initiative is linked to international cooperation frameworks, including a resource governance and investment partnership signed with the United States in December 2025 aimed at strengthening the mining sector.
The United Arab Emirates is also expected to contribute through investment and technical expertise, particularly in security management and mining operations.
While authorities describe the initiative as a step toward restoring order and improving oversight in the mining industry, observers caution that its effectiveness will depend on clear coordination mechanisms, legal safeguards, and strong institutional accountability to avoid overlap and potential misuse.
