Paramilitary force planned to protect minerals

The DRC is taking a dramatic step to protect its massive mineral wealth by planning to build a new paramilitary force to police its mining sector, reports Business Insider Africa. According to the country's General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM), the project would be supported by funds from both the US and the UAE. An initial $100m investment will enable the deployment of up to 3 000 armed recruits by December, with long-term goals of increasing the force to 20 000 ‘mining guards’ nationally by 2028, as seen on Bloomberg. The force will secure production, ensure traceable transport of minerals, and replace ‘defence forces currently deployed in mining zones,’ according to a statement. While the majority of mining operations are presently patrolled by police personnel, military and presidential guard officers have been observed at various sites, often in contravention of the national mining code. The IGM further specified that the initial deployment of these guards will occur within the Katanga region, an area characterised by its substantial copper and cobalt deposits, as well as zinc, lithium, gold, tin ore and tantalum ore. This development is the latest in a series of deepening ties between the three countries, and reflects increasing foreign interest in Congo's mineral riches, especially as global demand for vital metals rises. In February, the DRC announced plans to sell copper to Saudi Arabia and the UAE via a US-backed co-operation with Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. In December, the DRC struck a historic strategic minerals co-operation deal with the US which gave US corporations preferential access to some of the country's most valuable reserves, such as copper, cobalt, lithium and tantalum.