Democratic Republic of Congo Enforces Local Ownership Rule for Mining Companies

The Democratic Republic of Congo will begin enforcing a long‑delayed requirement that mining firms transfer a portion of their equity to Congolese nationals, with the deadline set for 31 July. Under the 2018 mining code, companies must cede 10 % of share capital to Congolese owners, including a 5 % allotment reserved for employees. No major miner – including Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, China’s CMOC and Huayou Cobalt – has yet complied, citing unresolved implementation details and possible sanctions.

The mines ministry reaffirmed the deadline on X after talks with the companies and said an ad‑hoc committee will finalize a decree outlining the rule’s application. The state already holds a non‑dilutable 10 % stake in projects and may increase its ownership through paid acquisitions at licence renewals. Authorities are also considering interest‑free loans and cooperatives to help employees purchase their mandated equity shares. The move comes as African nations seek a larger share of the revenue from the continent’s copper and cobalt resources.