DR Congo to Deploy 20,000 Mining Guards by 2028 as Global Demand for Copper and Cobalt Intensifies
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is taking a decisive step to safeguard its vast mineral resources by announcing plans to establish a new paramilitary force dedicated to policing the country’s mining sector.
The initiative reflects growing concerns over security, illegal mining, and the need to strengthen oversight of one of the world’s most valuable resource industries.
An initial investment of approximately $100 million will support the recruitment and deployment of up to 3,000 armed personnel by December.
Authorities intend to gradually expand the force to as many as 20,000 specialized “mining guards” nationwide by 2028, creating a dedicated security structure focused exclusively on protecting mineral production and supply chains.
The new unit will be responsible for securing mining operations, ensuring the safe and traceable transportation of minerals, and replacing existing defence forces currently stationed in mining zones.
Officials say the move is designed to improve regulatory compliance and reduce the presence of unauthorized security actors at mining sites.
Currently, many mining operations are patrolled primarily by police personnel, although members of the military and presidential guard units have also been deployed at certain locations, sometimes outside the framework of the national mining code.
The government intends for the new mining security force to eventually assume these responsibilities and establish a more standardized system of enforcement.
Focus on the Mineral-Rich Katanga Region
The initial deployment of the mining guards is expected to take place in the Katanga region, one of the country’s most resource-rich areas.
The region holds significant reserves of copper and cobalt, as well as zinc, lithium, gold, tin, and tantalum minerals that are increasingly critical to global industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
The decision to strengthen mine security comes at a time of intensifying international interest in the Congo’s mineral wealth, driven by the global transition to clean energy and the rapid expansion of battery and technology supply chains.
Growing Strategic Partnerships
The security initiative is part of a broader pattern of deepening economic and strategic engagement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international partners. In recent months, the country has moved to expand mineral trade relationships with Gulf nations and Western economies, while also seeking to attract greater foreign investment into its mining sector.
The government has outlined priority mining projects for international investors and continues to position itself as a central player in the global competition for critical minerals.
These developments underscore the country’s strategic importance as demand for copper, cobalt, lithium, and other essential resources continues to rise worldwide.
Balancing Opportunity and Risk
The Democratic Republic of the Congo possesses some of the largest mineral reserves on the planet, including among the world’s most significant deposits of copper and cobalt.
This resource wealth offers substantial economic potential but also presents persistent challenges related to security, governance, and supply chain transparency.
By creating a dedicated mining security force, authorities aim to strengthen control over production areas, protect national assets, and reassure investors.
The move highlights both the strategic value of the country’s natural resources and the complex task of managing and securing them in an increasingly competitive global environment.
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