Congo to audit major miners annually from 2027 as part of local content drive, regulator says
XLB•Congo will audit major mining companies annually from 2027 under rules for a local-content law taking effect on January 1, 2027. Majority Congolese-owned companies received $3.1 billion, or 83%, of $3.7 billion in subcontracting contracts declared by 167 major companies in 2025.
1. Audits begin in 2027
The Democratic Republic of Congo will subject major mining companies to annual audits of subcontracting practices and local-content compliance from 2027. The Authority for the Regulation of Subcontracting in the Private Sector is drafting mining-specific rules, which are expected to include sanctions and mandatory three-year compliance plans.
2. Contracts and enforcement
Of $3.7 billion in subcontracting contracts declared by 167 major companies in 2025, $3.1 billion went to majority Congolese-owned companies, including $2.9 billion in mining, regulator head Beleshayi Kasanda Ted said. ARSP ordered Glencore, Ivanhoe’s Kipushi zinc mine and Sicomines to end non-compliant arrangements, submit corrective plans and expand opportunities for Congolese-owned suppliers. Business and nonprofit representatives warned that implementation should support competitive local firms and provide transparency around enforcement and subcontractor ownership.
