DRC Launches First Pilot Gold Refinery in Tanganyika Province
Democratic Republic of Congo Opens First Gold Refinery in Kalemie to Boost Local Processing and Transparency
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially launched its first pilot gold refinery in Kalemie, the capital of Tanganyika Province, marking an important milestone in the country’s efforts to process its mineral resources locally and strengthen governance in the gold sector.
The refinery was inaugurated on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, during a ceremony attended by several senior government officials.
Among those present were Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Minister of State and Minister of Planning; Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines; and Julie Shiku Nyembo, Minister of Portfolio.
Representatives from DRC Gold Trading SA, provincial authorities from Tanganyika Province, and other distinguished guests also attended the launch event.
Strategic Partnership to Strengthen the Gold Sector
The new facility, named DRC GOLD Refinery SA, is the result of a strategic partnership between the state-owned company DRC Gold Trading SA and the private mining firm Lunga Mining.
The refinery has an estimated production capacity of 500 to 600 kilograms of gold per month.
It will manage the entire gold value chain from purchasing raw gold to refining it and producing high-purity gold bars.
Advancing Economic Sovereignty
During the inauguration, Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba praised the vision of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty through local value addition.
He also acknowledged the support of the government led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka in advancing reforms aimed at transforming the mining sector.
According to the minister, the refinery represents a major step forward for the Congolese mining industry.
“For the first time, the DRC has the capacity to refine its own strategic minerals locally while offering fair prices and transparent processes to stakeholders in the sector,” he said.
Supporting Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of artisanal miners, trading posts, and small- and medium-sized mining operators across the region.
By integrating them into the formal supply chain, authorities hope to improve traceability and increase state revenues.
The refinery will also enable the country to export refined gold with a purity level of up to 99.9 percent, significantly increasing the value of its mineral exports.
Combating Gold Smuggling
The mines minister used the occasion to issue a strong warning to those involved in gold fraud and smuggling, urging them to abandon illegal activities and join the official trading system established by DRC Gold Trading SA.
Building a Transparent Mining Economy
The commissioning of the refinery represents a key element in the DRC’s broader strategy to improve transparency, traceability, and local value creation in the gold sector.
Through initiatives such as this refinery, the government aims to ensure that the country’s vast natural resources contribute more directly to national development and the well-being of the Congolese people.
