Since January 1, 2025, individuals or entities found guilty of obstructing transparency and traceability in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) mining sector now face a staggering $4.3 million fine. Outlined in Decision No. CAMI/DG/003/2024, the penalty was issued by the Directorate General of the Mining Cadastre (CAMI) on December 16, 2024. It is the most severe enforcement measure under the country’s amended Mining Code. Despite its significance, the decision has received little public attention.
The adjustment stems from Article 375 of the 2018 Mining Code. The code mandates annual revisions of fines in foreign currency. “To maintain their value, these adjustments require input from the Central Bank of Congo and approval by CAMI’s leadership”. Since the revised Mining Code came into effect in 2018, fines for violations have been increased at least four times. The latest hike is particularly striking, multiplying the previous threshold of $429,122 by ten. Earlier fines had already reached $1.23 million in 2021 and $1.07 million in 2022.
The new $4.3 million penalty is part of a broader effort to enforce stricter compliance in the mining sector, which accounts for over 95% of the DRC’s export revenues. While this fine targets violations related to transparency and traceability key provisions aimed at curbing smuggling and illicit trade penalties for at least a dozen other mining offenses have also been doubled, quadrupled, or increased tenfold since the start of 2025.
The measures coincide with heightened government efforts to combat resource plundering by M23 rebels, who recently invaded the DRC, with Rwanda’s help. The rebels currently occupy strategic areas, including Rubaya’s mineral-rich mines and cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of determination from the mining administration to strengthen oversight elsewhere in the country. The recent inauguration of a Mining Registry building in Katanga another key mining region signals an effort to bring regulatory authorities closer to industry players and ensure compliance with the law.
Updated list of fines for violations of mining regulations in the DRC
(Decision CAMI/DG/003/2024 - in force since January 1, 2025)
- Obstruction of transparency and traceability in the mining industry: USD 4,291,222.57 (previously USD 429,122.24)
- Fraud and looting of natural mineral resources: USD 2,145,611.26 (versus USD 1,072,805.65)
- Illicit activities:USD 1,072,805.65 (vs. USD 42,912.25)
- Illicit purchase and sale of mineral substances: USD 128,736.67 (versus USD 42,912.25)
- Theft and concealment of mineral substances: USD 85,824.43 (versus USD 21,456.11)
- Embezzlement of mineral substances: 85 824.43 USD (versus 21 456.11 USD)
- Illicit possession of mineral substances: USD 85,824.43 (compared with USD 8,582.43)
- Illicit transport of mineral substances: USD 85,824.43 (versus USD 8,582.43)
- Facilitation of detour of mineral substances: USD 42,912.25 (vs. USD 21,456.11)
- Violations of human rights: USD 42,912.25 (new offence)
- Violation of health and safety regulations: USD 42,912.25 (versus USD 21,456.11)
- Destruction, degradation or fraudulent/malicious damage: USD 42,912.25 (versus USD 21,456.11)
- Obstructing the activities of the Mining Administration: USD 42,912.25 (versus USD 8,582.43)
- Infringement of ministerial or provincial governor decrees: USD 42,912.25 (compared with USD 4,291.24)
- Insults or violence towards Mining Administration officials: 21,456.11 USD (compared with 4,291.24 USD)
- Refusal to communicate a change of address: 21,456.11 USD (new offence)
- Corruption of public officials: 4,291.24 USD (new offence)
This article was initially published in French by Georges Auréole Bamba
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
