Congo Launches Major Probe Into Illegal Mining and Collusion

Kinshasa, DRC — The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a far-reaching investigation into illegal mining and organised plunder within international mining concessions, after an anti-fraud commission uncovered evidence implicating members of the security forces and foreign nationals.

Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa announced the probe on Tuesday, directing both civil prosecutors and military auditors to act immediately. The investigation follows a report by the National Anti-Fraud Commission that exposed a powerful black-market network operating within cobalt mines in Lualaba Province, a key region for the global energy transition supply chain.

“A Betrayal of National Interest”

The affected sites are reportedly concessions operated by global mining companies Glencore and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG). According to the report, they have been infiltrated by illegal operators using industrial machinery, allegedly protected by “uniformed men” from the Congolese police and the presidential guard.

“This is not just illegal mining, it is a betrayal of national interest,” declared Minister Ngefa. “We will pursue all those involved, regardless of rank, job title, or nationality.”

The commission’s findings depict a “state within the state,” a criminal structure blending rogue security officials, foreign intermediaries, and local agents. The scheme reportedly caused millions of dollars in losses to the national treasury while threatening the safety of workers and undermining legitimate investors.

Tshisekedi’s Government Draws a Line

The probe underscores President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s campaign to restore order and accountability in the mining sector — the backbone of Congo’s economy.

Since taking office, President Tshisekedi has prioritised sovereign control over strategic minerals, reforms in licensing transparency, and stricter oversight of joint ventures. The new investigation is seen as a direct warning to both corrupt insiders and foreign actors profiting from illegal extraction.

Who’s Involved: Key Allegations