The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans to create a new paramilitary unit to guard its important mining sites. The country is known for having large amounts of valuable minerals like cobalt, copper, coltan, and lithium.

These resources are in high demand worldwide for making electric car batteries and other modern technologies.

The General Inspectorate of Mines made the announcement on Monday. It described the new unit as a special “mining guard” that will secure the full process of mineral production and transport. The force will receive $100 million in funding through partnerships with the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Officials aim to train and deploy the first group of guards by December this year.

By the end of 2028, the government wants more than 20,000 mining guards working across the 22 provinces that have mining activities. Recruits will go through a six-month training programme before starting their duties. The unit is expected to help stop fraud, illegal mining, and other problems that affect the sector.

Congo produces about 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, making its mines very important globally. Many companies from China operate there, along with others from the United States and different countries. The new security unit is part of efforts to bring more order and protect these valuable resources.

This move comes as the country continues to face security challenges, especially in the eastern regions. The government hopes the mining guard will improve safety at mine sites and support fair operations. Many see it as a step towards better management of Congo’s rich natural wealth.