DRC Launches UN Initiative to Tackle Conflict Minerals

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a new diplomatic initiative at the United Nations aimed at closing international legal and regulatory gaps that allow the illegal exploitation of natural resources to finance armed conflict.

On July 13, the DRC convened an informal UN Security Council meeting titled “The Normative Gaps Linking Natural Resources and Peace: Foundations and Perspectives.” The discussion was chaired by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and brought together UN member states, regional organizations, civil society, academics and private-sector representatives.

Why the DRC Called the Meeting

The DRC argues that natural resources should support development, industrialization and shared prosperity. Instead, in many conflict zones, minerals are illegally extracted, trafficked and taxed to finance armed groups and prolong violence.

The Congolese concept note warned that global demand for critical minerals is expected to increase sharply as countries expand clean-energy technologies, digital infrastructure, electronics, defence and aerospace production.

It also argued that current international mechanisms remain fragmented and are not sufficiently coordinated to stop illegal mineral trading.

Existing initiatives include the Kimberley Process, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and the OECD’s responsible mineral supply-chain guidance. However, the DRC believes these systems do not yet form a strong and unified framework capable of addressing the links between resource trafficking, armed groups and insecurity.

Congo’s Experience Shapes the Initiative

The DRC holds some of the world’s most important reserves of cobalt, copper, coltan, tin and other minerals needed for modern technology and the global energy transition.

At the same time, illegal mining and cross-border mineral trafficking have long contributed to conflict in the country’s eastern provinces. Armed groups have generated income through control of mining areas, taxation of production and trade routes, while minerals extracted from conflict zones have entered regional and international supply chains.