Congo to audit major miners annually from 2027 as part of local content drive, regulator says
XLB•The Democratic Republic of Congo will audit major mining companies annually from 2027 for subcontracting practices and local-content compliance. 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 plans annual audits of major mining companies’ subcontracting practices and compliance with local-content requirements from 2027. The local-content law is due to take effect on January 1, 2027, and authorities are drafting sector-specific rules that will include sanctions and mandatory three-year compliance plans.
2. Regulator expands inspections
The subcontracting regulator ordered Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines’ Kipushi zinc mine and Chinese-controlled copper miner Sicomines this month to end non-compliant arrangements, submit corrective plans and expand opportunities for Congolese-owned suppliers. The regulator is recruiting inspectors and reviewing previously unresolved company inspections. Ivanhoe said it was in regular contact with the regulator and considered Kipushi compliant with applicable rules.
3. Contracts and concerns
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. The head of the Federation of Enterprises of Congo warned implementation could focus too heavily on inspections and penalties, while a nonprofit spokesperson called for more transparency and warned that politically connected firms could capture contracts.
