DRC Revokes Seven Mining Permits Over Non-Payment of Surface Rights
DRC Strengthens Mining Oversight, Revokes Seven Permits for Companies Failing to Pay Surface Fees
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is stepping up oversight of its mining sector. At the end of October 2025, the Ministry of Mines announced the forfeiture of seven mining titles from various companies for non-payment of surface rights, according to a list published by the Mining Cadastre (CAMI) on November 3.
Among the companies affected, Geocore was the most impacted, losing two permits. One of these, issued in 2021, covered five mining blocks in the Nyunzu and Kongolo territories of Tanganyika province, authorizing exploration and prospecting for gold, cassiterite, coltan, and wolframite.
Another notable case is Regal Maniema, whose exploration permit No. 3279 was revoked for the same reason. The company had previously faced similar action in 2021 for failing to pay fees due for the 2019 fiscal year.
Legal Basis and Appeal Process
These sanctions are based on Article 289 of the 2018 Mining Code, which allows companies 30 days from notification to appeal the decision. After this period, the forfeiture becomes final and is published in the Official Gazette.
Under the Mining Code, payment of surface rights is a key requirement to maintain a mining title, alongside proof of active exploration or mining operations.
Surface rights are calculated annually based on the area covered and the permit’s validity period, ranging from $0.03 to $1.14 per hectare, payable in Congolese francs at the prevailing exchange rate.
This move underscores the DRC government’s commitment to stricter enforcement and financial compliance within its mining sector.
