The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified its oversight of the mining sector, revoking seven mining permits from companies that failed to pay required surface rights. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Mines at the end of October 2025 and published by the Mining Cadastre (CAMI) on November 3, reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enforce financial compliance.
Among the affected firms, Geocore was the most impacted, losing two exploration permits — including one issued in 2021 covering five mining blocks in Tanganyika Province for gold, cassiterite, coltan, and wolframite. Regal Maniema also lost its exploration permit (No. 3279) after repeated non-payment of fees, following a similar forfeiture in 2021.
Under Article 289 of the 2018 Mining Code, companies have 30 days to appeal such decisions before forfeiture becomes final and is published in the Official Gazette. Surface rights — calculated annually based on area and duration — range from $0.03 to $1.14 per hectare, payable in Congolese francs.
The revocations underscore the DRC government’s determination to strengthen governance and transparency within its mining sector and ensure that titleholders meet their financial and operational obligations.
