President Tshisekedi Launches Major Reform of Artisanal Cobalt Mining in Lualaba
President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has announced a bold reform initiative targeting the artisanal cobalt mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a strong focus on Lualaba Province.
The move signals a major shift in the government’s approach to one of the country’s most vital yet disorganized industries.
The announcement was made during the Council of Ministers held on June 13, 2025, in Kolwezi. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya relayed the President’s concerns, emphasizing the urgent need to address the severe challenges faced by Congolese citizens working in artisanal mining.
“During his visit to Lualaba, the President observed firsthand the serious difficulties encountered by artisanal miners in conducting their activities,” Muyaya stated.
Artisanal cobalt mining remains poorly regulated, creating a legal vacuum that fosters disorder and exploitation.
Clashes frequently occur between artisanal miners and industrial companies, particularly in areas where mining rights are either unclear or poorly enforced.
This confusion has enabled fraudulent practices, with some operators blending artisanal cobalt into industrial supply chains, undermining transparency and accountability.
President Tshisekedi warned that the precarious living conditions of artisanal miners leave them vulnerable to manipulation by opportunistic political actors—a threat to both social stability and national economic progress.
To address these challenges, the President reaffirmed the central role of two state-backed institutions:
Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC): Holds the exclusive mandate to purchase and market cobalt produced through artisanal methods.
Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances (ARECOMS): Oversees compliance and ensures the lawful exploitation and marketing of strategic minerals.
Tshisekedi called for strict enforcement of the legal frameworks governing these institutions, urging the state to fully assume its regulatory responsibilities and eliminate illegal practices from the artisanal mining sector.
This reform initiative represents a critical moment in the governance of the DRC’s strategic mineral wealth.
By empowering EGC and ARECOMS, the government aims to restore order, enhance traceability, ensure the social protection of miners, and prevent the illicit exploitation of resources.
President Tshisekedi’s approach seeks not only to combat artisanal mining abuses but also to promote local value creation and responsible resource management.
The success of this initiative, however, will depend on its implementation on the ground—including securing mining zones, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and providing adequate social and economic support to artisanal miners.
If executed effectively, the reform could transform artisanal cobalt mining from a sector plagued by informality and conflict into a pillar of sustainable development and national pride.
