The Democratic Republic of the Congo plans to train more than 20,000 mine security personnel

According to Golden Ten Data on June 26, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is in talks with a private company to train over 20,000 armed security personnel to protect the country's mining areas, in a bid to improve the reputation of the local mining industry. According to the head of the General Mining Inspectorate, these security personnel will protect large commercial mining areas, help regulate artisanal miners who use rudimentary tools, and enhance the traceability of mineral exports. The official did not specify the name of the private training company. This new force will eventually replace all police and soldiers currently stationed at mining and processing sites. The DRC holds some of the world's largest deposits of copper, cobalt, tin, tantalum, gold, lithium, and zinc. However, individual miners (sometimes protected by soldiers) often conduct illegal mining activities, including within licensed sites owned by international investors. Minerals are also often smuggled out of the country, especially from the conflict-affected eastern regions. Chief Mining Inspector Raphael Kabengele said in an interview in the mining hub of Lubumbashi last week that things are progressing smoothly. Consensus has been reached on principle issues. A decree authorizing the creation of this force should be issued soon.