DRC Adopts Strategic Mineral Reserve Framework to Strengthen State Control Over Key

Kinshasa, April 12, 2026 - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has approved a draft decree establishing a strategic reserve for critical mineral substances, a decision aimed at stabilizing markets and reinforcing national control over strategic mining resources. The measure was adopted during the 86th meeting of the Council of Ministers held on April 10 in Kinshasa, under the chairmanship of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. The text was presented by the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, and concerns mineral substances deemed essential both to the Congolese economy and to international markets. According to the government, the creation of this strategic reserve is intended to help stabilize prices of key mineral resources, support the structured development of the sector, and reinforce the country’s economic sovereignty over its natural wealth. In the same session, the government also approved amendments to the decree governing the Regulatory and Control Authority for Markets of Strategic Mineral Substances, known as ARECOMS. The revised framework strengthens the institution’s mandate, which includes the regulation, supervision, and stabilization of strategic mineral markets across the country. ARECOMS, a public administrative and technical body with legal, administrative, and financial autonomy, operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Mines. It is responsible for overseeing production and export activities in the strategic minerals sector, improving the business climate, and ensuring compliance with national regulations, including provisions related to anti-money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Authorities also confirmed that ARECOMS will be responsible for managing the newly created strategic reserve and will have the capacity to establish operational offices and branches throughout the national territory to ensure effective implementation of its mandate. Officials say the reform reflects a broader effort by the government to strengthen governance in the mining sector, enhance market stability, and improve the country’s economic and industrial positioning in global strategic mineral supply chains.