Mining Cadastre of DRC Launches Drone Surveillance and AI Integration for 2025
DR Congo’s CAMI Deploys Drones, AI, and Legal Reforms to Boost Mining Sector Oversight
The Mining Cadastre (CAMI) has kicked off the second half of 2025 with a series of technological and legal initiatives aimed at enhancing oversight, transparency, and efficiency in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining sector.
Announced by CAMI Director General Paul Mabolia during a press conference on Thursday, August 7, 2025, the upgrades include the acquisition of drones to improve aerial surveillance of mining perimeters.
These drones will help verify the actual commencement of work on mining sites, reduce the number of inactive title holders, and strengthen enforcement measures.
CAMI is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence into its analysis and control systems. According to Mabolia, this innovation will speed up and improve the reliability of data processing, further enhancing the regulator’s ability to monitor and manage mining activities.
A strategic partnership is also underway with the United States and Cobalt Company, involving:
Digitization of mining data by the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA)
Allocation of 1,700 km² for mineral exploration
Development of the Manono hard rock deposit
Legal and Regulatory Initiatives
On the legal front, CAMI will organize “legal cafés” in various provinces to harmonize interpretations of the Mining Code between lawyers, title holders, and authorities. An inventory of inconsistencies in the Code is being compiled as part of preparations for a possible future revision.
Revenue Oversight and Compliance
Monitoring the payment of surface rights remains a priority. Currently, 221 mining title holders are in arrears, with 25 already engaged in forfeiture proceedings.
Capacity Building and Digital Modernization
CAMI will continue to invest in:
Ongoing training programs for its agents
Regular staff performance evaluations
Complete modernization of its institutional website to improve public access to mining data
By combining technological innovation, legal reform, and stricter compliance monitoring, CAMI aims to position itself as a model of effective mining sector governance in the region.
