D.R. Congo Suspends Artisanal Copper and Cobalt Processing to Tackle Corruption

The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a decisive step to reform its critical minerals sector by suspending artisanal copper and cobalt processing activities nationwide. The measure, announced through a ministerial decree and reviewed by Reuters, forms part of a wider government effort to combat corruption, curb illegal mineral exports, and strengthen transparency in the supply chains of two of the country’s most strategic resources. As the world’s leading cobalt producer, the Democratic Republic of Congo plays a central role in global battery and electric vehicle markets, making governance reforms in its mining sector particularly significant.

Under the new decree, all artisanal copper and cobalt processing and marketing operations are temporarily halted. Authorities have ordered that every operator involved in the sector must certify the origin of the minerals they handle, a requirement designed to eliminate illicit material from formal supply chains. To enforce this, a newly established commission will be tasked with verifying traceability, legality, and compliance with mining regulations. The decree was signed on December 19 by Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, signaling high-level political backing for the reforms.

Illegal artisanal mining has long been a structural challenge in Congo’s mineral economy. For decades, unregulated production and smuggling have diverted substantial revenues away from the state, weakening public finances and undermining trust in the sector. Corruption allegations have frequently centered on bribery schemes that allow operators to bypass mining code requirements, export minerals illegally, or misdeclare volumes and origins. These practices have distorted the market and complicated efforts to establish credible, transparent supply chains.

The suspension also follows recent steps by Congo to promote responsible sourcing. In November, the country launched its first batch of traceable artisanal cobalt, marking an important milestone in aligning domestic production with international expectations. Unregulated artisanal output has previously driven up costs for companies investing in ethically produced and traceable cobalt, as compliant operators struggle to compete with cheaper, illicit material. By tightening controls, the government aims to level the playing field and reinforce standards linked to environmental, social, and governance principles.

Artisanal mining remains a major source of livelihoods in Congo, employing an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people directly and supporting more than 10 million indirectly through associated economic activities. While the suspension may create short-term disruption for these communities, authorities argue that improved oversight will ultimately benefit workers and the broader economy by formalizing production, improving safety, and ensuring fairer revenue distribution. Over time, clearer data on mineral flows and volumes should help policymakers design more effective support mechanisms for artisanal miners within a regulated framework.

In the broader context of Africa’s mining industry, Congo’s decision could have far-reaching implications. Stronger governance and traceability may enhance the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of responsibly sourced cobalt, attracting long-term investment and partnerships. For the continent, the move underscores a growing shift toward value chain accountability and compliance with global standards, trends that could reshape how African mineral producers integrate into the global energy transition economy.

Mini-Glossary

• Artisanal mining: Small-scale, often informal mining carried out by individuals or groups using limited technology.
• Traceability: The ability to track minerals from their point of origin through processing and export.
• Supply chain: The full sequence of activities involved in producing and delivering a product, from extraction to end use.
• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards: Criteria used to assess a company or sector’s impact on the environment, society, and quality of governance.
• Mining code: The legal framework governing mineral exploration, extraction, and trade in a country.

Editor: Vural Burç ÇAKIR