Today, the United States is sanctioning armed groups carrying out illegal mining and supply chain actors profiteering from conflict minerals in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Department of the Treasury is designating four entities producing and trading in conflict minerals in Rubaya, an expansive mining area rich in critical minerals.

Today’s sanctions impose consequences on actors who destabilize the eastern DRC. They target one of many armed groups carrying out illegal mining operations including through forced labor and violence against civilians. They also counter companies in the DRC and China that partner with armed groups to profiteer off instability to steal the mineral wealth of the DRC. Today, the United States is sending a clear message that no armed group or commercial entity is immune from sanctions if they undermine peace, stability, or security in the DRC.