The reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen governance in the mining sector. The 20,000 recruits, yet to be trained, will be responsible for safeguarding large-scale mining operations, overseeing artisanal sites, and improving traceability of mineral exports.

Congolese authorities have not yet disclosed which private company will train this paramilitary unit.

Training for the mining guards is expected to begin in September, with the first battalion set to deploy in Katanga province by January 2027.

Historically, the army and police have been stationed around mining areas. However, in some provinces like Lualaba, private security agents are already deployed. These local guards are recruited and trained by local firms registered with security services.

Henri Kasongo Mutata, coordinator of the diocesan commission on natural resources and environment in Lualaba, explains the current situation.

“Mining site security here in Lualaba is handled by the mining police, along with various private security companies. Mining title holders often contract private guards to protect their sites.”

Reducing criminal activity in mining zones

The Democratic Republic of Congo holds vast reserves of copper, cobalt, tin, coltan, gold, lithium, and zinc. While agreements allow foreign companies — including American firms — to operate mines, some sites remain inaccessible due to the conflict in the eastern part of the country. For instance, the Rubaya coltan mine, one of the world’s largest, is under the control of AFC-M23 rebels. This is a major concern for Crispine Ngena, an ecofeminist activist focused on women’s participation in natural resource management.

“The first challenge is the militarization of mining sites. I see no respect for rights in these lawless areas. There is no enforcement of standards. The second question is whether the Congolese state can make mines less crime-prone and ensure that foreign companies comply with norms and respect rights — especially the rights of indigenous peoples and women in these already chaotic zones.”

Separately, over recent months, private security teams linked to Erik Prince, founder of the former Blackwater firm, have been deployed in several mines around Kolwezi and Kisangani in Lualaba and Tshopo provinces. Their main tasks are reportedly to secure mines, improve tax collection, and combat smuggling.