Sanctioning Critical Minerals Traffickers Stoking Armed Conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Press Statement
Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson
August 12, 2025

The United States is taking decisive action to combat the illegal mining and trade of conflict minerals fueling violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Today, the Department of the Treasury announced the designation of four entities involved in producing and trading conflict minerals in the Rubaya mining region, an area abundant in critical minerals.

These sanctions target armed groups, including one of the many responsible for illegal mining through forced labor and violence against civilians. The measures also aim at companies based in the DRC and China that partner with these armed groups to profit from instability, further perpetuating conflict and resource theft.

“The U.S. is sending a clear message: no armed group or commercial entity is immune from sanctions if they undermine peace, stability, or security in the DRC,” said Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson.

The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13413, as amended, which empowers the U.S. to impose penalties on individuals and organizations threatening the peace and stability of the DRC through illicit resource trade.

The entities added to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List include:

• Coalition of Congolese Patriotic Resistance – Force de Frappe (PARECO), an armed group operating in North Kivu, established in November 2022, responsible for destabilizing efforts in the region.
• Cooperative des Artisans Miniers du Congo (CDMC), a mining cooperative based in Goma and Kalemie, involved in conflict mineral supply chains.
• East Rise Corporation Limited, a Hong Kong-based company with links to conflict mineral trade.
• Star Dragon Corporation Limited, another Hong Kong-based company linked to resource trafficking in the region.

Through these measures, the U.S. reaffirms its commitment to ending the exploitation of conflict minerals in the Great Lakes region. The U.S. supports ongoing peace efforts, including the U.S.-mediated peace process and the Regional Economic Integration Framework, to foster a more peaceful and prosperous future for the DRC and neighboring countries.

The U.S. government remains dedicated to strengthening a sustainable and transparent mining sector that contributes to stability and economic development, while ensuring that global critical mineral supply chains are secure and reliable.