The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched decisive measures to regain control of a disputed mining concession in Kakanda following a fatal landslide that claimed 11 lives during the night of March 10–11, 2026. The site, operated by Boss Mining, had been overrun by informal artisanal miners after industrial operations were suspended, prompting authorities to intervene to restore order, improve safety, and restart formal mining activities.
In a statement issued on March 17, officials outlined a coordinated response focused on clearing the site, relocating illegal miners, and reinforcing security. Central to this plan is the transfer of artisanal miners to designated Zones d’Exploitation Artisanale (ZEA), which are legally approved areas set aside for small-scale mining outside industrial concessions. The relocation process is being overseen by Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement des Mines Artisanales et à Petite Échelle in collaboration with provincial authorities. The government aims to provide safer, regulated working conditions for artisanal miners while enabling industrial operators to resume activities without disruption. Security forces are expected to maintain a permanent presence at the site once the evacuation is completed.
Illegal mining has long posed challenges in the region, particularly for Eurasian Resources Group, the parent company of Boss Mining. Since operations were halted in 2023 due to safety concerns, large numbers of informal miners have occupied the concession. Reports indicate that hundreds of vehicles have been involved daily in unauthorized extraction and transport, resulting in significant financial losses and operational setbacks. The situation has also heightened investor concerns about the security of mining assets in the country’s resource-rich copper and cobalt belt.
Efforts to formalise artisanal mining are now gaining traction. In February 2026, Eurasian Resources Group signed a cooperation agreement with Entreprise Générale du Cobalt to regulate small-scale mining activities. The partnership focuses on establishing supervised mining zones, improving traceability systems, and enforcing safety standards. By separating artisanal production from industrial supply chains, authorities hope to reduce illegal activity while enhancing transparency in mineral exports.
Government officials acknowledge that unregulated artisanal mining has become a major national challenge, affecting safety, environmental management, and the country’s global reputation. Fatal incidents involving informal miners have increased in recent years, prompting calls for stronger enforcement. The Ministry of Mines is working alongside security agencies and regional administrations to dismantle illegal mining networks and reassert state authority over key concessions. Legal action has also been initiated against individuals involved in illicit mining operations, signalling a tougher regulatory stance.
However, progress in establishing designated artisanal mining zones has been slower than expected. Although several ZEAs were announced in late 2025 following earlier accidents, only a limited number have been fully developed and operationalised. Authorities stress that accelerating the rollout of these zones is critical to reducing conflict between industrial operators and artisanal miners, improving safety conditions, and stabilising production in one of the world’s most important cobalt and copper regions.
The intervention in Kakanda marks a potential turning point for mining governance in the DRC. By combining enforcement measures, relocation strategies, and industry partnerships, the government is seeking to prevent further tragedies while safeguarding investment and ensuring sustainable mineral production. The outcome of these reforms is likely to shape the future of mining in Lualaba Province, a region central to global supplies of critical minerals.
