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The United States has announced new sanctions targeting a Congolese armed group, a local mining cooperative, and two companies from Hong Kong accused of fueling violence and profiting from the illicit trade of critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Getting into it: The sanctions specifically target the armed group Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais–Force de Frappe (PARECO-FF), which controlled mining operations in the Rubaya region of eastern DRC between 2022 and 2024. PARECO-FF is accused of overseeing illegal mining, imposing forced labor, executing civilians, and collecting illegal taxes from miners. The group is also believed to have smuggled critical minerals through neighboring Rwanda, contributing directly to regional instability and human rights abuses.

Also sanctioned was the Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), a Congolese mining company that operated in the same Rubaya region. CDMC is accused of working in collusion with PARECO-FF by sourcing and selling minerals extracted under the group’s control. The company allegedly facilitated the smuggling of these minerals out of war zones and into the global market, enabling armed groups to fund their operations while bypassing legal oversight and depriving the Congolese government of tax revenue.

Two Hong Kong-based companies (East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited) were also sanctioned for purchasing minerals sourced through CDMC. According to the Treasury Department, both companies provided material support to CDMC by engaging in the international trade of conflict-linked minerals. Their involvement extended the illegal supply chain beyond the DRC, helping funnel tainted resources into legitimate global markets.

In a statement, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley said, “The Treasury Department will not hesitate to take action against any group. The conflict minerals trade is exacting a deadly toll on Congolese civilians, fueling corruption, and preventing law-abiding businesses from investing in the DRC.”