DRC Minister of Mines, H.E. Mr Kizito Pakabomba, visits Metalkol SA

On Saturday, 17 August 2024, Eurasian Resources Group in Africa (ERG Africa) had the honour of welcoming His Excellency (H.E), Mr Kizito Pakabomba, the National Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to its Metalkol SA operation in the province of Lualaba for an official visit that marks the strengthening of a shared and promising vision for the sustainable development of the mining sector at national and international levels.

As part of his tour of the Greater Katanga region, the Minister of Mines, H.E. Mr Kizito Pakabomba, accompanied by his delegation, visited the Metalkol SA mining site, a subsidiary of ERG Africa in which the DRC is also a shareholder.

Metalkol SA is a major tailings reprocessing operation in the DRC mining sector, processing copper and cobalt tailings from the Kingamyambo dam and the Musonoi River valley.

This visit, which follows an initial constructive meeting held in Kinshasa in mid-July with ERG Africa’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nicolas Treand marks the continuation of a promising dialogue between the Ministry of Mines and ERG Africa aimed at promoting the sustainable and inclusive development of the mining sector in the DRC.

After a warm welcome by the management and staff of Metalkol SA, the Minister of Mines and his delegation took part in a safety induction, followed by a visit of Metalkol SA’s operations, including the Musonoi site, and participated in a closed meeting discussion.

During this visit, Mr Jean-Claude Lubembe, Metalkol SA’s Head of Operations, presented the hydromechanical mining and dredging technology used for the extraction of copper and cobalt, highlighting the innovative aspects and the efforts made to minimise the environmental impact and meet the standards of ethical and responsible production.

This visit was an opportunity to deepen the exchange on the strategic challenges of the mining sector in the DRC. Particular attention was paid to ERG Africa’s commitment to being a responsible mining producer.

Mr Emmanuel Henry, ERG Africa’s Deputy CEO, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome His Excellency the Minister of Mines to our Metalkol SA site and, through his presence, we acknowledge his desire to support the mining sector.

This is an opportunity for us to concretely demonstrate our commitment to sustainable and responsible development in the DRC, so that the discussions can be translated into concrete actions. We are determined to continue our efforts in this direction.”

In his comments the Minister highlighted: “I would like to commend your efforts in the field of sustainable development as you have presented them. Metalkol is committed to meeting international environmental standards.

This is essential in a world where climate challenges are becoming more pressing. The global energy transition depends on critical metals such as cobalt and copper, and your role in this strategic process is an important point not only for our country, but for the whole of humanity.”

The exchange also highlighted ERG Africa’s key role in creating a sustainable ecosystem for the various stakeholders. His Excellency the Minister of Mines added: “I am delighted that you are contributing to the improvement of local employment and the living conditions of the surrounding communities, as well as the transfer of technology and skills for the benefit of the Congolese people.

This is what we call true integrated and inclusive development as advocated by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Head of State.”

This visit to Metalkol SA demonstrates the importance of ERG activities to the DRC government and to the challenges of energy transition at a global level.

The Minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming the Congolese Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, environmental protection and the improvement of the living conditions of its citizens.

“Together, the Ministry of Mines, the relevant government departments, Metalkol SA and ERG, can build a prosperous and sustainable future for the DRC.”