US sanctions entities allegedly linked to conflict minerals trade in eastern DR Congo

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.

“The conflict minerals trade is exacting a deadly toll on Congolese civilians, fueling corruption, and preventing law-abiding businesses from investing in the DRC,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley said in a statement.

“The U.S. government will continue to take action to support a mining sector that contributes to lasting stability and economic development in the Great Lakes region and secure, reliable global critical minerals supply chains,” the State Department said in a separate statement.