DRC Minister of Mines Embarks on Transformative Mission to Haut-Uélé and North Kivu
The new Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, began his first official mission to the provinces on July 29, 2024, aiming to understand the realities of his sector. From July 29 to August 1, he will visit Haut-Uélé and North Kivu.
This mission aligns with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s vision for his second term, emphasizing six commitments to transform the mining sector into a lever for sustainable development.
On July 29, Pakabomba arrived in Isiro, Haut-Uélé province, greeted by Vice-Governor Christophe Dara Matata, local political and administrative leaders, mining operators, and a cheering crowd.
He met with Provincial Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu and visited the Catholic Cathedral of Isiro to pay respects at the tombs of Blessed Anuarite Nengapeta and Monsignor Julien Andavo.
At the Uélé Coffee Farm (UCOFA) site, the Minister praised the partnership between Haut-Uélé province and mining companies Kibali Gold Mining and Barrick. He highlighted the role of mining in revitalizing local agriculture, enabling coffee production once again.
“The transformation of the mining sector goes beyond extraction and export. It’s about creating value-added chains that benefit both the local and national economy,” Pakabomba said, emphasizing the potential for mining revenues to support innovative agricultural projects.
Next, the Minister visited Durba in Watsa territory to inspect gold mining operations by Kibali Gold Mines and community projects funded by mining royalties.
In North Kivu, Pakabomba plans to visit factories and social projects in Goma, including the Don Bosco refugee camp and the headquarters of Alphamines DRC, before concluding his mission.
This visit marks his first to the provinces since taking office on June 13, 2024. After thorough discussions with mining administration officials and operators, the Minister is now on the ground to witness local conditions firsthand.
