DR Congo Plans Annual Mining Audits From 2027

Derek Foss · 2026-09-29T22:20:17.444Z

Annual audits from 2027 should help track mining revenues better if the government follows through on enforcement.

DR Congo Plans Annual Mining Audits From 2027 — © IJR

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The Democratic Republic of Congo will begin annual audits of subcontracting practices at major mining companies from 2027. A new local-content law takes effect January 1, 2027. Operators include Ivanhoe Mines, Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group, China's CMOC and Zijin. In September 2026, ARSP instructed Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines' Kipushi zinc operation and Sicomines to address non-compliant subcontracting arrangements and submit corrective-action plans. An Ivanhoe spokesperson said Kipushi complied with the regulations. Glencore and Sicomines did not immediately respond. Per the regulator, 167 major firms reported $3.7 billion in subcontracting contracts in 2025; $3.1 billion (83%) went to majority Congolese-owned companies, with mining at $2.9 billion. Arise News named Beleshayi Kasanda Ted as ARSP director general, saying he told Reuters the measures would strengthen enforcement. Channel Africa named Miguel Kashal Katemb as director general on the majority-ownership rule. Robert Malumba Kalombo of the Federation of Enterprises of Congo cautioned the approach could emphasize inspections and penalties over helping Congolese businesses develop capacity to compete. Jean-Claud Mputue of Congo Is Not for Sale called for greater transparency on beneficial owners, saying tighter rules could create opportunities for politically connected businesses unless stronger safeguards were introduced.