KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced the creation of a new paramilitary force, the Mining Guard, tasked with securing mines, protecting mineral transport routes, and curbing smuggling in one of the world’s most resource-rich countries.
The initiative, confirmed by mining and government authorities, is aimed at strengthening state control over strategic minerals such as cobalt and copper, which are central to global supply chains for electric vehicles and high-tech industries.
According to officials, the Mining Guard will begin operations with an initial deployment of between 2,500 and 3,000 trained personnel, before expanding to more than 20,000 officers by 2028 across the country’s mining provinces.
The force is expected to take over key security responsibilities currently handled by the national military, including securing mining sites, escorting mineral shipments, and safeguarding mining investments.
Authorities say the move is part of broader reforms to improve governance in the mining sector, reduce illegal exploitation, and increase transparency in mineral production and exports.
The DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and holds vast reserves of copper, coltan, and other critical minerals, making its mining sector both economically vital and highly contested.
However, the industry has long faced challenges including illegal mining, smuggling networks, and insecurity in mineral-rich regions, particularly in the east of the country where armed groups remain active.
Officials say the Mining Guard will help “clean up” the sector and strengthen oversight of the entire mineral value chain, from extraction to transport and export, as the government seeks to attract more structured investment and improve revenue collection.
Further details on recruitment, training, and deployment timelines are expected to be released as the program rolls out in phases.
