KINSHASA, Mar 12 – Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched its first state-supported gold refinery as authorities attempt to formalize a sector long associated with smuggling and conflict in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions.
The initiative is being developed through a partnership between state-owned DRC Gold Trading SA and Lunga Mining SA, which have jointly established a new venture known as DRC Gold Refinery SA.
According to the country’s mines ministry, the refinery aims to produce up to 600 kilograms of gold per month once fully operational.
The facility is located in Kalemie on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and will process gold sourced from artisanal miners across the country.
Officials say the project is part of a broader strategy to bring more transparency and regulation to Congo’s gold trade, a sector that employs hundreds of thousands of people but has historically operated largely outside formal commercial systems.
DRC Gold Trading began operating three years ago under the name Primera, with a mandate to capture more state revenue from the largely informal gold sector.
However, the company has also faced scrutiny from experts at the United Nations, who have raised concerns over supply chain monitoring and the potential risk that gold purchases could inadvertently benefit armed groups operating in the region.
Despite these concerns, authorities say the refinery represents an important step toward strengthening governance in the country’s mining sector while integrating artisanal miners into formal supply chains.
