OVERVIEW :
- The DRC is the world’s leading producer of cobalt and Africa’s leading producer of gold and copper. The country’s soil is also rich in coltan, lithium, diamonds, gas and oil. These resources attract international interest and fuel local conflicts.
- The ITSCI system, the main mechanism for tracing resources, aims to ensure that extraction does not involve illegal labour or fuel armed conflicts. Major flaws have been identified in the North and South Kivu regions. Anomalies in the data and cases of money laundering call into question the effectiveness of this system.
- The armed conflict in the DRC has led to the takeover of strategic mining areas by belligerent entities. Armed groups such as the Rwandan-backed M23, CODECO and Wazalendo control these mines. The profits generated are used to finance the continuation of hostilities, during which exactions are perpetrated.
- Companies such as Minerals Supply Africa, CDMC and SOGECOM have been identified as responsible for illegal exports. Individuals such as Chris Huber, who is under investigation for war crimes, and John Crawley, who is linked to shady business dealings, illustrate the wrongdoing in the sector. Despite certifications, multinationals are accused of concealing issues related to the origin of mineral resources.
- The peace agreement signed in June 2025 between Rwanda and the DRC under American pressure led to the involvement of controversial private security companies and non-transparent remuneration arrangements to secure mining areas.
Read the entire note (ENG and FRA):
DCCI_202601_CONTEXT_Mining resources in the DRC & foreign influence tied to armed groups_PUBLIC_ENG
