US sanctions armed group, Hong Kong firms over DR Congo conflict minerals

13 August 2025

The sanctions target armed groups and companies linked to illegal mining, says Treasury Department

US sanctions armed group, Hong Kong firms over DR Congo conflict minerals

The US has sanctioned an armed group and four mining firms that are allegedly profiting from conflict minerals in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Congolese mining cooperative CDMC, Hong Kong-based East Rise Corporation Limited, Star Dragon Corporation Limited and the armed group, PARECO-FF.

They are allegedly involved in exploiting critical minerals through forced labor, violence against civilians and smuggling operations that fuel instability.