The Mining Registry (CAMI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended new applications for mining and quarry exploration rights, effective Dec. 17, 2025. The decision was announced in a statement issued on Dec. 15, 2025. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, as no reopening date has been set.

CAMI said the measure does not affect operations under existing rights. Applications to convert or renew mining rights, as well as registrations of assignments, leases, options, and other related transactions, will continue to be processed.

According to the registry, the decision forms part of an effort to clean up the mining cadastre. The aim is to improve the accuracy and management of the cadastral system.

The work builds on measures launched last July. A report published in August 2025 said those measures enabled the Congolese state to recover 594 mining and quarry titles. These titles covered 37,253 mining squares, representing a total area of 31,648 square kilometers, larger than Belgium.

The report also cited the administrative regularization of 210 mining rights that had been under prolonged force majeure, covering 18,709 mining squares. These titles were reclassified as active, restoring the fiscal, social, and technical obligations of the companies concerned.

Ronsard Luabeya