The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced it is creating an armed security force for mine sites to help ensure the security of supply chains for its mineral raw materials, as the country seeks to establish deeper partnerships with the US.
The country’s new ‘Mining Guard’ is being backed financially by both the US and the UAE, both of whom are seeking to gain access to the country’s critical minerals. The Guard is expected to cost US$100 million to establish and will comprise up to 20,000 troops by 2028, according to a statement on Monday (27 April) by the General Inspectorate of Mines.
In December 2025, the DRC and US signed a strategic partnership agreement, recognising the two countries’ shared interest in cooperation in economics and resource security, and to promote long-term cooperative development.
The agreement highlights the need for a mining sector that follows the law and acts with integrity, accountability, and transparency, and ensures the responsible management of mineral resources.
The US-DRC agreement delivers mutual benefits by linking peace, governance, and economic development with secure access to critical minerals.
For the DRC, it accelerates industrialisation, strengthens governance reforms, and channels investment into infrastructure and energy projects while formalising artisanal mining to help reduce illicit trade.
For the US, it secures priority access to cobalt, copper, and rare earths essential for defence and clean energy supply chains.
According to the Financial Times, Inspector General of Mines Rafael Kabengele said in a statement that the Mining Guard would “clean up the entire sector in the DR Congo by eliminating practices contrary to good governance, transparency, and mineral traceability”.
The Mining Guard will operate across the country’s 22 mining provinces, working on sites as well as protecting cargo transportation across the country.
The Guard will replace the country’s existing mining police force.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
