On 26 October 2025 DFAT maintained its blanket ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. The warning is driving a reshuffle of Australian mining engineers and geologists who often transit Johannesburg en route to DRC copper and cobalt concessions.
Several Perth-based resources companies told GMN they have diverted technical teams to Rwanda and Zambia, relying on remote-sensor data and drone surveys to minimise physical presence inside DRC. The pivot underscores the growing role of virtual mobility—but also the limitations, as regulatory filings still require on-site environmental audits.
Insurance markets have hardened: war-risk premiums for charter flights into Lubumbashi have risen 40 % since July. Mobility budgets must account for crisis-response retainers and kidnap-and-ransom cover if on-ground visits are unavoidable.
DFAT emphasises health as well as security: Ebola, cholera and Mpox outbreaks continue. Staff granted rare waivers to enter must complete a stringent vaccination and prophylaxis schedule.
With global battery supply chains hungry for cobalt, risk managers face a delicate balance between opportunity and duty of care. The latest advisory tilts the scales further toward remote-first operational models.
Several Perth-based resources companies told GMN they have diverted technical teams to Rwanda and Zambia, relying on remote-sensor data and drone surveys to minimise physical presence inside DRC. The pivot underscores the growing role of virtual mobility—but also the limitations, as regulatory filings still require on-site environmental audits.
Insurance markets have hardened: war-risk premiums for charter flights into Lubumbashi have risen 40 % since July. Mobility budgets must account for crisis-response retainers and kidnap-and-ransom cover if on-ground visits are unavoidable.
DFAT emphasises health as well as security: Ebola, cholera and Mpox outbreaks continue. Staff granted rare waivers to enter must complete a stringent vaccination and prophylaxis schedule.
With global battery supply chains hungry for cobalt, risk managers face a delicate balance between opportunity and duty of care. The latest advisory tilts the scales further toward remote-first operational models.
