Kigali, Rwanda — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has unveiled a new paramilitary unit, the Mining Guard, designed to safeguard its extensive mining operations. This initiative is backed by significant financial contributions from the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), totaling $100 million.
The establishment of the Mining Guard is a strategic move aimed at enhancing investor confidence and reducing China’s influence in the DRC’s mineral-rich sector.
The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) has outlined the Mining Guard as a “paramilitary special unit “intended to secure the entire mineral exploitation chain within the DRC.
The force is expected to expand to over 20,000 personnel across the country’s 22 mining provinces by the end of 2028.
The initial phase of deployment, which includes a training period of six months, is set to operationalize 2,500 to 3,000 personnel by December 2026.
The DRC is a global leader in mineral production, accounting for approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt output, crucial for electric batteries and defense technology.
The country’s mineral deposits, including copper, coltan, and lithium, are of significant global importance.
The new security force is part of a broader effort to combat illegal mining and insecurity, particularly in the eastern provinces, where conflict has long been a challenge.
The Mining Guard is part of a strategy to diversify global supply chains away from China’s dominance in critical minerals. This strategy includes a minerals partnership between the DRC and the United States, under which American firm Virtus Minerals has taken over copper-cobalt miner Chemaf.
The DRC and Rwanda also signed an agreement in December aimed at ending conflict in the eastern DRC, which includes an economic component to ensure a stable supply of strategic minerals for American high — tech companies. While the Mining Guard is seen as a step towards good governance and the fight against corruption, critics raise concerns about national sovereignty, the potential for the unit to be involved in political conflicts, and the impact on local populations and the environment.
The IGM will manage the deployment and operation of the Mining Guard, ensuring that it maintains a balance between security and the protection of local communities and the environment.
The creation of the Mining Guard is a pivotal development in the DRC’s mining sector and its geopolitical landscape, as the country seeks to leverage its mineral wealth for economic development and stability.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
