Untapped Fortune: DRC’s Gold Sector Holds $15 Billion Potential Lost to Informal Trade

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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is best known for its rich reserves of copper and cobalt, but industry experts say the country’s gold sector remains one of its most underestimated and underexploited resources—despite the staggering value it represents.

Official data shows that in 2023, the DRC exported 36 metric tons of gold through formal channels. However, it is estimated that over $15 billion worth of gold leaves the country every year via informal networks, bypassing state oversight and depriving the government of vital revenues.

Artisanal mining remains the backbone of DRC’s gold industry, with the provinces of Ituri, Haut-Uélé, South Kivu, and Maniema serving as primary hubs of production. Alarmingly, more than 90% of this artisanal output operates outside the formal regulatory system, exposing the sector to smuggling, loss of tax revenue, and security risks.

In response, the Congolese government has set a strategic goal to double gold revenues by 2026. Officials say the focus will be on improving traceability, formalizing artisanal production, and tightening oversight to curb illicit trade.

Analysts note that while the DRC’s gold industry offers a unique investment opportunity, success in the sector demands prudence, secure and verified supply networks, and deep local knowledge. For serious investors, the push toward formalization could unlock one of Africa’s most lucrative but overlooked mineral frontiers.