This move coincides with ongoing negotiations between Kinshasa and the Trump administration over a broader minerals-for-security partnership.

Prince’s team is expected to operate in the DRC’s southeastern Katanga region, home to significant deposits of copper, cobalt, and gold. Their presence is reportedly aimed at improving transparency in the mineral trade and ensuring adherence to the Congolese mining code, an area where the government has struggled to maintain oversight in recent years.

The arrangement is unfolding in parallel to a proposed deal with Washington that would see critical mineral supplies secured for the United States (US), possibly involving multiple private sector stakeholders. While details of the US role remain under discussion, American officials have expressed optimism about the direction of talks. A recent visit by a special adviser to President Donald Trump reportedly confirmed progress, although the agreement is still awaiting review by the Congolese Parliament.

Historically, the DRC’s mineral sector was dominated by state-owned firms such as Gécamines and MIBA. However, institutional decline over the years led to a surge in private and often unregulated mining activity, weakening government control and reducing revenue collection.

The eastern regions of the country, particularly in North and South Kivu, remain outside the reach of government authority, with rebel factions like M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda controlling key mining areas. Due to the insecurity, Prince’s team is not expected to deploy in those zones.

--ChannelAfrica--