Mining industry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The mining industry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (French: Industrie minière de la République Démocratique du Congo) is a major global supplier of minerals including cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, tantalum, and tin. The DRC supplies over 70% of global cobalt and mineral exports account for more than 95% of the country’s export revenues.^[1]

Map of mining in the DRC

Rubaya coltan mines

Mining includes large-scale industrial projects, semi-industrial ventures, and widespread artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), often under dangerous and exploitative conditions.^[2]

Regulation

The DRC’s mining sector operates under a revised mining code, passed in 2018, which increased royalties and taxes compared to the 2002 code. Despite opposition from mining companies, the reforms aimed to boost government revenues.^[3]

Mining types

Industrial mining

Large industrial mines are typically joint ventures between foreign firms and DRC parastatals such as Gécamines. Permits are administered through the Cadastre Minier (CAMI). Industrial mining requires major investments and long development times.

Artisanal and semi-industrial mining

Artisanal miners operate outside formal regulation despite the establishment of Artisanal Exploitation Zones (AEZs). Most use hand tools under hazardous conditions, including widespread child labour. Semi-industrial mining uses some mechanization but remains distinct from large-scale industrial operations.^[4]

Environmental and human rights concerns

Mining in the DRC has caused environmental degradation, water pollution, and severe public health issues. Research in Katanga found dangerously high levels of cobalt and uranium in residents.^[5][6]

Efforts like the iTSCi traceability initiative and OECD guidelines exist, but enforcement remains weak.^[7]

Major commodities

Copper and cobalt

See also: Copper mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Most mining occurs in the Copperbelt region. Cobalt, vital for electric vehicle batteries, is sourced from both industrial and artisanal mines. The government created Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) to regulate artisanal cobalt production.^[8]

Diamonds

The DRC is among the largest diamond producers by volume, mostly through artisanal mining. A significant share of production is industrial-grade.^[9]

Gold

Gold mining is concentrated in eastern provinces. Gold smuggling across borders, particularly to Uganda and Rwanda, finances armed groups.^[10]

Lithium

The Manono-Kitotolo region holds large lithium deposits under development.^[11]

3T minerals (Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten)

The so-called 3T minerals—tantalum, tin, and tungsten—are mined artisanally in the eastern DRC.^[12]

Foreign involvement

International companies from Canada, China, and Australia dominate mining investment. Chinese firms, backed by the Belt and Road Initiative, are expanding their role.^[13]

Socio-economic and environmental impacts

Mining activities have led to widespread forced eviction, labour exploitation, child labour, sexual violence, displacement, and environmental degradation.^[14][15]

History

Pre-colonial mining

Indigenous peoples mined copper and other minerals for centuries. The Katanga Cross is an example of early copper metallurgy.

Colonial and post-colonial periods

Under Belgian colonial rule, mineral exploitation intensified, often through forced labor. Post-independence, mining became central to conflicts, contributing to decades of instability.

See also

• Copper mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Conflict minerals
• Gécamines
• Corruption in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo