The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a $100 million paramilitary mining guard to secure extraction sites and formalize supply chains for cobalt, copper, and other critical minerals.
Backed by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, the initiative aims to deploy an initial force of 3,000 personnel by December 2026 to curb mineral smuggling.
The strategic force is projected to scale to 20,000 guards by 2028, covering 22 provinces. They will replace national defense forces currently tasked with protecting mining concessions and shipments.
This $100 million investment focuses on improving traceability and transparency, key requirements for Western manufacturers seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese-dominated mineral processing.
The move follows a 2025 strategic partnership agreement. Under this deal, Kinshasa granted the U.S. preferential access to strategic assets in exchange for security and infrastructure support.
Recent data highlights the urgency; the UN estimates billions in minerals are smuggled annually through eastern borders, often financing armed groups like the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion.
Conflict in North Kivu has frequently disrupted operations at the Rubaya coltan mines. This new guard represents a “minerals-for-security” pivot to stabilize the region for foreign investors.
Industry analysts suggest this deployment is critical for the DRC’s economic stability. Mining accounts for over 90% of the nation’s exports and a significant portion of its GDP growth. By professionalizing site security, the government hopes to attract major Tier-1 miners. This strategy aligns with global efforts to secure “conflict-free” minerals for the green energy transition
