The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mining Cadastre (CAMI) has recently issued a significant notice concerning mining and quarry rights holders. On 29 October 2026, CAMI Director General Popol Mabolia Yenga signed a notice referring a list of non-compliant mining and quarry rights holders to the Directorate of Mines. These holders failed to submit the required evidence showing they had commenced work within the prescribed deadlines, as stipulated by Articles 387 and 391 of the country’s Mining Regulations.
List of affected titles
The notice encompasses a total of 296 titles, which include:
- 230 Exploration Permits
- 39 Mining Exploitation Permits (PE)
- 16 Permanent Quarry Exploitation Authorisations (AECP)
- 7 Small-Scale Mining Permits (PEPM)
- 4 Tailings Exploitation Permits (PER)
Among the companies, TSM Entreprise SARL stands out with the largest number of affected titles, holding 18 exploration permits and one exploitation permit in Mutshatsha territory, Lualaba province. Prometal SARL follows with 12 titles, including 11 exploration permits and one small-scale mining permit in Haut-Lomami province.
Obligations under mining regulations
Exploration permits
According to Articles 386 to 391 of the Mining Regulations, exploration permit holders have one year from the issuance of their exploration certificate to fulfill their obligations. These requirements include:
- Deploying at least two geologists for a minimum of 10 days within the licensed area.
- Conducting exploration activities and submitting a report to the Directorate of Geology.
- Securing approval for a mitigation and rehabilitation plan.
- Establishing a financial guarantee to cover environmental obligations.
Mining exploitation rights and quarry authorisations
For mining exploitation rights and permanent quarry authorisations, the regulations specify deadlines of one or three years, depending on the permit category. Licence holders must:
- Submit environmental and social management plans.
- Inform local authorities about planned measures.
- Provide financial guarantees for site rehabilitation.
- Begin development and construction work as per regulatory conditions.
A ministerial order from Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, dated September 8, 2025, further clarifies qualifying activities for development and construction work. These activities include developing access to mineral deposits, preparatory operations, mineral extraction and hauling, storage facilities establishment, and processing equipment installation. Surface infrastructure development – such as buildings, roads, electricity, and water systems – along with underground operations like shaft sinking and ventilation system development, are also recognised.
Permit revocation procedure
If work commencement is not demonstrated within the statutory deadlines, proceedings to revoke the mining rights may be initiated. Under Article 288 of the Mining Code and Article 561 of the Mining Regulations, authorities must formally establish the violation and notify the affected licence holders.
Holders have 45 days from the notice of violation posting to present a defence. The Minister of Mines then decides whether to revoke the permits. Companies can appeal the revocation decision within 30 days of its public posting. If permits are ultimately cancelled, former holders must wait five years from the cancellation registration date in the Mining Cadastre’s register before they can apply for new mining rights or quarry authorisations.
