The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) informs the national and international public of the official creation of the Mining Guard, a special paramilitary unit tasked with securing the entire mineral exploitation chain in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The President of the Republic’s objective, which we are implementing, is to clean up the entire mining sector in the DRC by eliminating practices that undermine good governance, transparency, and mineral traceability,” stated Inspector General Rafael Kabengele.
By the end of 2028, the gradual deployment of a force of over 20,000 guards covering the 22 mining provinces under the IGM’s supervision is planned. The first contingent will consist of 2,500 to 3,000 agents, recruited following a rigorous selection process. The recruits will undergo an intensive six-month training program, conducted in collaboration with the Military Household, and will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
Implementation schedule :
- May 2026: Recruitment launch, open to all genders
- June to December 2026: Training of the first class of recruits
- December 2026: Deployment of the first operational contingent
- End of 2027: Full coverage of security needs in Greater Katanga and Greater Orientale Provinces
- End of 2028: Extension of the operation to all mining provinces of the country
The $100 million program is part of strategic partnerships with the United States and the United Arab Emirates and will be deployed within existing operational training facilities.
The Mining Guard's main missions will be :
- Securing mining sites throughout the national territory;
- Secure transport of minerals from extraction zones to processing units and border posts;
- The gradual replacement of defense forces currently deployed in mining areas.
The establishment of the Mining Guard will ultimately optimize the development of the DRC's mineral resources and provide a reliable and stable security environment, essential for business continuity and investment protection.
About the General Inspectorate of Mines
Established by Decree No. 23/19 of June 9, 2023, the General Inspectorate of Mines is the body responsible for oversight, auditing, and combating fraud in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rafael Kabengele, Inspector General, assumed his duties as head of the institution on January 12, 2026.
