Starting January 1, 2025, individuals and companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will face a record-breaking $4.3 million fine for obstructing transparency and traceability in the mining sector.
This unprecedented penalty, established under Decision No. CAMI/DG/003/2024, was issued by the Mining Cadastre (CAMI) on December 16, 2024. It marks the strictest enforcement measure enacted under the country’s revised Mining Code. Despite its significance, the decision has garnered limited public attention.
The penalty increase is based on Article 375 of the 2018 Mining Code, which requires annual revisions of fines in foreign currency. These revisions are conducted in collaboration with the Central Bank of Congo and approved by CAMI’s leadership.
Since the 2018 amendments, mining violation fines have risen at least four times, with the most recent increase multiplying the previous penalty of $429,122 by ten.
Recent fine adjustments include:
- $1.07 million in 2022
- $1.23 million in 2021
- $4.3 million in 2025
The latest hike underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter compliance in a sector that generates over 95% of the DRC’s export revenue. In addition to transparency-related offenses, penalties for at least a dozen other mining violations have also seen significant increases—some doubled, quadrupled, or even multiplied tenfold.
These heightened fines align with the DRC government’s broader efforts to curb smuggling and illicit mining activities, particularly in light of the ongoing threat posed by M23 rebels. Allegedly backed by Rwanda, these rebels have seized key mining zones, including the mineral-rich Rubaya region, as well as strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to strengthen oversight in other mining areas. The recent inauguration of a Mining Registry office in Katanga, another critical mining hub, highlights ongoing efforts to bring regulatory bodies closer to industry stakeholders and ensure stricter compliance across the sector.
