Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila has formed a new rebel movement that incorporates Rwanda-backed M23 forces, openly aligning himself with the insurgency despite US sanctions. The move raises the threat to President Félix Tshisekedi’s government and complicates US efforts to broker peace and secure access to critical minerals. UN experts have suggested Kabila’s prominence may help obscure Rwanda’s role in the rebellion. Sanctions, a US-brokered peace deal, and Qatar-mediated talks have not stopped the fighting, which threatens the country’s ability to benefit from rising demand for copper, coltan, and cobalt.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's subcontracting regulator says 14 major mining companies paid at least $20 billion to ineligible suppliers between 2020 and 2025. It has ordered the termination of about 1,800 contracts and plans rigorous inspections to uncover hidden foreign control, enforce a law requiring Congolese investors to own at least 51% of suppliers, and potentially close noncompliant companies. The crackdown affects subsidiaries and contracts linked to Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, Eurasian Resources Group, and Sicomines. Officials hope enforcement will support local participation and attract US and European investment, but analysts warn that domestic suppliers often lack financing and technical capacity, while weak transparency rules could leave contracts in the hands of politically connected owners.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has disbursed only 24% of an active $10.7 billion portfolio of development-partner funding, leaving $8.3 billion unused amid administrative delays, weak project management, and late government counterpart funding. President Félix Tshisekedi warned that the shortfall damages state credibility and ordered ministries to improve disbursements and simplify procedures. The difficulties also affect the use of proceeds from the country’s debut $1.25 billion Eurobond, while the government estimates a $44.2 billion development financing gap through 2028. Experts say both the government and international partners must improve project preparation and execution. Undisbursed development funds are a wider regional problem, with $32.6 billion remaining across sub-Saharan Africa and Cameroon also reporting a large financing backlog.

Belgium has approved a state guarantee to help Umicore make advance payments for future germanium supplies from a plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with commercial terms still under negotiation. The facility could eventually provide up to 15% of global demand, helping Europe reduce dependence on China, which produces about 60% of the world's germanium and has restricted exports since 2023. A unit of state miner Gécamines supplies Umicore; the plant can produce about 30 tonnes annually and shipped commercially from late 2024.

Chemaf's new US-Indian owners have reached settlements with creditors holding most of the Congolese miner's $804 million debt, potentially reducing it by as much as $475 million and leaving about $330 million outstanding. The deal removes a major obstacle to restarting operations, but Chemaf still needs up to $260 million to complete projects and resume production. The company, acquired by the Virtus Minerals–Lloyds Metals & Energy joint venture, remains shut down, with its Mutoshi copper and cobalt project unfinished. The planned restart is part of a broader US effort to secure critical-mineral supply chains amid China's dominant position in the sector.

Two sustainability-linked bond deals of at least $100 million each are under discussion for mining-related projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with proposed funding for shared electricity infrastructure and the professionalization of artisanal mining. The initiatives reflect African governments' efforts to capture more value from mineral wealth, amid a gap between the continent's major mineral exports and its small share of processing value. Experts say mine-backed infrastructure can support communities and other businesses, but warn that bond structures alone cannot guarantee broad benefits: added sustainability monitoring may not lower borrowing costs, and success also depends on rules for access, tariffs, and disputes, as well as demand from other users. A related proposed Zambian bond by Metalex would finance local miners and businesses connected to a copper-cobalt project.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is considering amendments to roughly 40 provisions of its 2018 mining code, including broader state powers to limit production and stockpile strategic minerals. Information Minister Patrick Muyaya says the government will consider industry concerns, while lawmakers argue stronger oversight would improve tracking of exports and revenues. Mining executives and the Chamber of Mines warn that repeated rule changes could deter investment and undermine long-term planning. The debate follows higher royalties on newly designated strategic minerals and a US-DRC partnership offering qualifying US-backed projects enhanced fiscal and regulatory protections. Congolese lawyer Jean Pierre Okenda says reform is legitimate but should be transparent and inclusive, and questions preferential treatment for US investors.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s finance ministry ordered the tax authority to lift seals on Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company offices as talks over a multibillion-dollar tax dispute resumed. President Félix Tshisekedi had urged officials to use coercive measures sparingly, citing their potential to raise miners’ costs and damage investor confidence. The dispute comes amid intensified scrutiny of mining revenues and efforts to attract investment, including a US-backed proposal involving Glencore’s KCC and Mutanda mines. Kinshasa is seeking greater revenue from its mineral wealth while trying to avoid deterring investors.

US companies are seeking a larger role in mapping the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mineral resources as Washington competes with China for access to critical minerals. Dynamic Aviation is preparing a proposal for geological data work after its CEO presented the plan to President Félix Tshisekedi; it could join Spain’s Xcalibur and US firm Atlas Park, whose survey findings are intended for Congolese authorities. Better data could help identify deposits, attract investment, and give the government a stronger basis for negotiating mining rights. Only about a fifth of the country has been mapped, while Chinese firms dominate much of its copper and cobalt production. A separate effort by KoBold Metals to digitize geological archives held in Belgium stalled over access conditions; the AfricaMuseum says it will digitize the records and share them with Congolese authorities. Zambia’s nationwide survey is cited as a model for using geological data to attract diversified mining investment.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo plans to extend cuts to fuel subsidies for mining companies, shifting them toward market prices as global energy costs rise amid the Iran war. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde said the government is targeting sectors able to absorb higher prices, with telecommunications firms potentially next. The change may increase miners’ operating costs and reduce corporate tax payments, though Deloitte’s Bob David Nzoimbengene described commercial fuel subsidies as abnormal. The policy comes as the IMF provides new financing and the government adopts a larger supplementary budget. Mining remains central to the economy and export earnings, while higher fuel costs are also affecting consumers.