The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a decisive step forward in the processing of its artisanal gold. The Ministry of Mines has officially launched the country’s first gold refinery in Kalemie, in Tanganyika Province. Named the DRC Gold Refinery, this pilot facility represents a major step forward in the national strategy to formalise the gold sector.
The project is the result of a strategic partnership between the state-owned company DRC Gold Trading and Lunga Mining, which is active in the exploration and development of gold deposits in the provinces of Maniema and Tanganyika. According to a statement from the Ministry of Mines, the unit covers the entire value chain: from the purchase of raw gold to its refining and the production of exportable ingots.
The refinery has an estimated production capacity of between 500 and 600 kilograms of gold per month. The Minister for Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, emphasised that this facility will enable the DRC to export refined gold with a purity of 99.9 per cent, an international standard that is expected to significantly increase local value added.
This initiative forms part of the policy to formalise the artisanal gold trade led by DRC Gold Trading. The Congolese authorities aim to reduce losses linked to fraud and smuggling, while repatriating more foreign currency. By 2026, DRC Gold Trading aims to export between 15 and 18 tonnes of artisanal gold, an ambitious target in a context where gold remains one of the country's most important mineral resources.
The launch of Kalemie comes nearly three years after an initial failed attempt. In July 2023, Congo Gold Raffinerie, based in Bukavu, had its licence revoked by the Ministry of Mines before it even began operations, for failing to comply with social obligations and corporate social responsibility requirements. This new facility in Kalemie therefore appears to have learned from past experiences.
In a country where small-scale mining accounts for the lion’s share of gold production, the commissioning of the DRC Gold Refinery is seen as a strong signal to investors and operators in the sector. It demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to moving beyond mere extraction towards genuine local processing, which will create skilled jobs and generate additional revenue for the state.
It now remains to be seen, over the coming months, whether the plant will actually ramp up production and meet its commitments regarding traceability and governance. For the DRC, the challenge is clear: to turn its gold into a genuine driver of sustainable economic development.