The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to tighten oversight of major mining companies as it pushes for more contracts and procurement spending to reach locally owned businesses.
From 2027, major mining companies will face annual audits of their subcontracting practices and compliance with local-content requirements.
The move follows a new local-content law scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027. Sector-specific regulations are being developed and are expected to include sanctions and mandatory three-year compliance plans.
The DRC, Africa’s leading copper producer and the world’s largest cobalt producer, has been increasing scrutiny of its mining industry as it seeks to expand opportunities for Congolese-owned suppliers.
The Authority for the Regulation of Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) has already ordered Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines’ Kipushi zinc operation and Sicomines to address subcontracting arrangements deemed non-compliant and submit corrective plans.
Ivanhoe said it remains in regular contact with the regulator and considers its Kipushi operation compliant with applicable rules. Glencore and Sicomines had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the report.
ARSP Director General Beleshayi Kasanda Ted said the regulator is also recruiting more inspectors and reviewing unresolved inspections as part of the expanded compliance drive.
The push has raised concerns about how the new rules will be implemented. The Federation of Enterprises of Congo has warned against an approach focused mainly on inspections and penalties, while the nonprofit Congo Is Not for Sale has called for greater transparency around enforcement and subcontractor ownership.
Despite the concerns, ARSP figures show that $3.7 billion (about R63 billion) in subcontracting contracts were declared by 167 major companies in 2025. Of that amount, $3.1 billion (about R53 billion) went to majority Congolese-owned companies, including $2.9 billion (about R49 billion) in the mining sector.
Main Image: Mining.com
