KINSHASA, 20 July. - (ANA) - The Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo’s government will consider changes sought by mining companies to a proposed overhaul of the country’s mining laws, a government spokesman told Semafor. 

 

Executives have warned that repeated rule changes could deter investment. The new legislation would give the government broader powers to limit production and stockpile strategic minerals, as well as amend about 40 articles of the 2018 mining code to strengthen state oversight of mineral exports and revenues. “If there are concerns or points raised by our friends in the mining sector, we will listen to them and integrate them,” Information Minister Patrick Muyaya said.

 

The proposal has alarmed industry insiders. The Chamber of Mines convened an emergency meeting last week, while executives from US-backed KoBold Metals and the Kibali Gold Mine, operated by Canada’s Barrick Mining, warned that frequent regulatory changes undermine long-term investment planning.

 

The debate reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are seeking a larger share of mining wealth through higher royalties, export controls and tougher regulations. DR Congo, the world’s largest cobalt producer, has steadily expanded state control over strategic minerals since its sweeping 2018 mining code overhaul, which significantly increased taxes and royalties on miners.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/21 July 2026 - - -