The Democratic Republic of Congo has extended its ban on trading minerals from 38 artisanal mining sites in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. First imposed in February 2025, the restriction targets coltan, cassiterite, and wolframite, key inputs for global electronics and automotive supply chains. The extension was confirmed in an order signed earlier this month.

Authorities say the ban remains necessary because illegal mineral sales from these sites are financing armed groups, including M23 and other militias operating in the east. The order blocks sourcing and export from the affected mines and allows for independent audits by Congolese regulators and international bodies such as the UN and OECD.