DRC Reopens Mining Rights Applications Following Registry Cleanup
Democratic Republic of Congo Reopens Mining and Exploration Rights Applications After Land Reclamation
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reopened applications for mining and exploration rights, the Mining Cadastre Service (CAMI) announced in an official statement.
The new application window will take effect on February 2, 2026, following a nearly two-month temporary closure that began on December 15, 2025.
The brief suspension was intended to allow CAMI to complete a cleanup of the cadastral registry, ensuring better management and transparency of mining titles.
“The Mining Cadastre informs the public that, following the cleanup of the cadastral file, the application window is reopened as of Monday, February 2, 2026, for new applications for mining rights and exploration quarries,” the statement read.
“CAMI invites applicants to strictly comply with the legal requirements when submitting applications.”
Results of the Registry Cleanup
CAMI’s cleanup efforts in 2025 led to the reclamation of 594 mining and quarrying titles by the Congolese state, covering approximately 31,648 km² of land, or 37,253 mining squares, now available for management under national regulations.
In addition, 210 mining rights previously classified under prolonged force majeure were regularized. These titles cover 18,709 mining areas, have been reclassified as active assets, and restored the tax, social, and technical obligations of their holders.
Civil Society Reaction
The Observatory for Studies and Support for Social and Environmental Responsibility (OEARSE) welcomed CAMI’s initiative to clean up the mining registry in a statement dated August 7, 2025.
However, the organization emphasized that the process “should not be an end in itself, but must be part of a long-term effort” to ensure transparency and accountability in granting mining titles.
OEARSE also recommended the immediate publication of the list of the 594 recovered titles, noting that such a measure would improve institutional accountability and support the integration of artisanal miners.
The organization highlighted that many artisanal miners in the DRC still work under precarious conditions, often on sites belonging to private mining companies.
Mining Remains Central to the DRC Economy
While economic diversification remains a priority, the mining sector continues to be the backbone of the Congolese economy. CAMI’s 2025 cleanup and reclamation efforts allowed the government to regain control over strategic mining sites, reinforcing its regulatory authority and creating new opportunities for both large-scale and artisanal mining operations.
