KCC Inaugurates One-Stop Shop and Customs Office to Modernise Mining Administration in the DRC

Kamoto Copper Company Launches One-Stop Customs Facility to Streamline Mining Operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo

On 19 May, Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a joint venture between Glencore, Gécamines, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, officially inaugurated a new one-stop shop and customs office aimed at modernising and streamlining administrative processes in the country’s mining sector.

The launch event brought together government officials, technical institutions, and industry stakeholders, underscoring growing efforts to improve transparency, efficiency, and governance within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) mining industry.

Strengthening Mining Sector Efficiency

The new integrated administrative facility is designed to centralise key regulatory processes, including permits, licences, authorisations, and customs procedures.

This initiative is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve operational efficiency for mining companies operating in the country.

By consolidating administrative functions into a single system, the platform aims to:

• Enhance traceability and certification of minerals through stronger controls and anti-fraud mechanisms
• Improve public revenue collection through streamlined and secure payment systems
• Reduce processing times and increase logistical efficiency across mining operations

Long-Term Collaboration Behind the Initiative

The establishment of the one-stop shop and customs office follows several years of coordination between KCC, the Congolese government, and key regulatory institutions. These include the Centre for Expertise, Evaluation and Certification (CEEC), the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDA), and other provincial and national agencies involved in mining oversight and trade regulation.

Additional institutions contributing to the implementation include the Provincial Mining Division, the Provincial Foreign Trade Division, the Congolese Control Office (OCC), the Congolese Maritime Line (LMC), the Strategic Mineral Markets Regulatory Authority (ARECOMS), the General Commission for Atomic Energy, and the Lualaba Non-Tax Revenue Directorate (DRNOFLU).

Glencore’s Long-Term Investment in the DRC

Glencore has operated in the DRC since 2007 and has invested nearly US$10 billion in its local operations.

The company currently employs approximately 18,000 people in the country, the majority of whom are Congolese nationals, making it one of the largest private-sector employers, taxpayers, and investors in the DRC mining industry.

Industry Impact and Governance Reform

The introduction of the one-stop shop at KCC is seen as a significant milestone in efforts to reform mining governance in the DRC.

By reducing administrative fragmentation and improving coordination between state agencies and private operators, the initiative is expected to strengthen institutional efficiency and promote a more predictable investment environment.

Leadership Perspective

Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC and Chair of the KCC Board, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, stating that it demonstrates what can be achieved when public institutions, private operators, and technical partners align around a shared vision for reform.

She added that the model established at KCC could serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives across the DRC’s broader extractive sector.

With the launch of this integrated administrative platform, KCC and Glencore reaffirm their commitment to operational excellence, improved governance, and sustainable value creation within the DRC mining sector.

The initiative is expected to support long-term efficiency gains while strengthening transparency and regulatory compliance across mining operations in the country.