Tshisekedi Orders Softer Approach to Mining Companies as DRC Seeks to Protect Investor Confidence
DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi Warns Against Aggressive Mining Enforcement Amid Push for More Revenue
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has directed government revenue agencies to avoid aggressive enforcement actions against mining companies, warning that excessive measures could undermine investor confidence in the country’s critical mining sector.
The directive comes as Congo seeks to increase state revenues from its vast mineral resources while maintaining a stable investment environment for companies operating in the copper and cobalt industries, which remain central pillars of the country’s economy.
Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and one of the leading global suppliers of copper.
In recent years, the government has increased scrutiny of mining companies as it seeks to ensure that the country receives greater economic benefits from its mineral wealth.
According to cabinet meeting records, Tshisekedi said repeated bank account seizures, asset freezes and unpredictable fiscal measures were affecting the competitiveness of the mining sector by increasing operating costs and creating uncertainty for investors.
The president instructed the ministries of economy, finance and mines, together with state revenue agencies, to ensure that enforcement measures against mining companies are legally justified and applied only as a last resort.
Instead, authorities were encouraged to prioritise dialogue, formal notifications and conciliation procedures provided for under Congolese law before taking punitive actions against mining operators.
“Our ambition remains to build a competitive and transparent mining sector that creates sustainable value.
This requires a stable legal environment, predictable administrative decisions and continuous dialogue between the state and economic operators,” Tshisekedi said during the cabinet meeting.
The directive follows heightened tensions between the government and some major mining companies over tax compliance and revenue-sharing arrangements.
In 2025, Congo’s state auditor accused several large mining companies, including China’s CMOC Group and commodities producer Glencore, of underreporting billions of dollars in revenues, potentially affecting their required contributions to government development funds. The companies rejected the allegations.
The government’s latest push for stronger revenue collection has also resulted in increased enforcement activity. Last week, Congolese tax authorities closed Glencore’s local offices as part of an ongoing tax dispute.
The company has said it is cooperating with authorities while maintaining that it has not committed any wrongdoing.
It remains unclear whether Tshisekedi’s directive was issued specifically in response to the dispute involving Glencore.
In a separate order, the president directed authorities to remove soldiers and police officers who are illegally stationed at mining sites.
He said the presence of unauthorised security personnel contributes to fraud, mineral smuggling and insecurity while damaging Congo’s reputation among international investors.
Security forces are often deployed at mining sites to protect operations and help combat illegal mining activities, which remain widespread in several mineral-producing regions.
The president’s latest measures reflect Congo’s effort to strike a balance between improving state revenues from its mineral resources and maintaining a predictable business environment needed to attract long-term investment into the mining sector.
