An initial 2,500 to 3,000 personnel are expected to be operational by December after six months of training, with plans to scale to over 20,000 across all 22 mining provinces by 2028, according to reports. The inspector general of mines, Rafael Kabengele, said "The president aims to clean up the entire mining sector, by eliminating practices that run counter to good governance, transparency and the traceability of minerals." The guard will take over security duties from the military and will secure mine sites, escort mineral shipments, and protect foreign investments. Congo produced about 40% of the world's coltan in 2023, and more than 15% of global tantalum comes from rebel-controlled Rubaya mines in the east. It remains unclear how the guard will be trained and by whom, or how it will coordinate with existing military and police forces.
Congo has long struggled with illicit mineral trafficking and chronic insecurity, particularly in eastern provinces where dozens of armed groups operate. Fighting between government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands. Washington is trying to reduce China's dominance over critical mineral supply chains. Last year, Congo and the US signed a minerals partnership, and American firm Virtus Minerals took over a major copper-cobalt miner. A US-brokered peace deal between Congo and Rwanda opened access to critical minerals, but negotiations with M23 rebels continue amid ongoing fighting. The specific roles of the US and UAE beyond funding have not been detailed.
The president aims to clean up the entire mining sector, by eliminating practices that run counter to good governance, transparency and the traceability of minerals.