The Democratic Republic of Congo will establish a specialized paramilitary unit to secure its mining operations, backed by funding from the United States and United Arab Emirates. The country's General Inspectorate of Mines announced the initiative, which aims to tackle widespread illegal mining and smuggling operations that have plagued the sector for years.

The DRC sits on some of the world's most valuable mineral deposits, including cobalt, coltan, and gold that are critical for electric vehicle batteries and electronics. Armed groups and informal miners have long operated outside regulatory oversight, draining state revenues and creating security risks for legitimate mining companies operating in the region.

The involvement of both Washington and Abu Dhabi reflects growing international competition for African mineral resources. The US has sought to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains for critical minerals, while the UAE has expanded its mining investments across the continent. This partnership signals a coordinated effort to stabilize DRC's extractive sector under Western-aligned oversight.

For international mining companies and investors, the unit could mean improved security and clearer operating conditions in one of the world's most resource-rich but challenging jurisdictions. The move may also help formalize a sector where informal extraction has dominated.