The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on four entities it says are profiting from the illicit trade in conflict minerals in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Congolese mining cooperative CDMC, Hong Kong-based East Rise Corporation Limited, Star Dragon Corporation Limited, and the armed group PARECO-FF. Washington accuses them of exploiting critical minerals through forced labour, violence against civilians, and smuggling operations that fuel regional instability.
“The conflict minerals trade is exacting a deadly toll on Congolese civilians, fueling corruption, and preventing law-abiding businesses from investing in the DRC,” said John Hurley, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
In a separate statement, the State Department said the US would continue to act in support of a mining sector that promotes stability, economic growth in the Great Lakes region, and secure, reliable global supply chains for critical minerals.