Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), a mining company operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has officially rejected recent US accusations that it was involved in illegal mineral extraction and in facilitating rebel groups. The company said the sanctions imposed by the United States have unfairly targeted it and that its operations have been severely disrupted by armed conflict and criminal activity in the region.
Company statement and context
CDMC told Reuters that it is not the perpetrator but one of the main victims of violence and looting that have destabilised the area. The company pointed to the presence of armed groups, including PARECO-FF and the M23 rebels, and said that their control and extortion of mining activities have prevented CDMC from exercising lawful control over its concessions.
US sanctions and allegations
On 13 August the United States sanctioned the Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais-Force de Frappe (PARECO-FF), CDMC, and two Chinese firms, East Rise and Star Dragon. US authorities allege that PARECO-FF seized several mining sites in the Rubaya mining area in 2022, coerced local residents to work the mines, and until early 2024 sold minerals to foreign buyers. The US accuses CDMC of unlawfully controlling the largest concession in Rubaya and assisting rebels in mineral smuggling, while accusing the Chinese companies of buying illicitly sourced minerals and financing armed groups. CDMC denies these allegations.
Regional politics and international involvement
The sanctions come amid a broader geopolitical and security context in the eastern DRC. Kinshasa has been negotiating with multiple actors, including the M23, and in late June signed an agreement with Rwanda in Washington that calls for respect for territorial integrity, a cessation of hostilities, disarmament of non-state armed groups, and the creation of a security coordination mechanism. Delegations from the DRC and M23 began talks in Qatar on 10 July aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
Recent developments and previous measures
In February 2025 the US Treasury targeted M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka, two of his companies, and Rwanda's minister of regional cooperation James Kabarebe with sanctions. In late January M23 captured the provincial capital Goma, though the DRC government later said control of parts of the city had been restored by state forces. Bukavu was briefly taken by rebels in mid-February and then retaken by government troops; Kinshasa accused Rwandan forces and allies of entering Bukavu.
Potential consequences and recommendations
The dispute highlights continuing challenges around the governance of mineral resources in eastern DRC, including illicit trade, armed group financing, and supply chain transparency. Potential impacts of the sanctions include disruption to local economies, increased scrutiny of downstream buyers, and pressure for more rigorous due diligence by international firms sourcing DRC minerals.
To reduce harm and restore confidence, measures that could be considered include an independent investigation of the allegations, strengthened chain-of-custody mechanisms for minerals, international support for stabilisation and protection of artisanal miners, and transparent, internationally monitored procurement and contracting processes. Such steps would help address security, legal and humanitarian concerns while clarifying responsibilities of private actors and foreign partners.
