Carter Center Report Highlights Shortcomings in DRC Mining Companies’ Social Commitments
A recent study published by the Carter Center in November 2024, titled White Paper on the Specifications of Mining Companies in the DRC, reveals a significant shortfall in mining companies’ adherence to sustainable development commitments, particularly in relation to the needs of local communities affected by mining activities.
The report finds that out of 402 specifications intended to address these needs between 2018 and 2024, only 71 have been signed—an alarming 18% compliance rate.
Furthermore, the budgets allocated to these signed specifications are deemed insufficient, with the average annual budget for these initiatives representing just 0.2% of the mining companies’ turnover.
The report also notes that, on average, the budget for a five-year specification is financed by just 1% of a single year’s turnover from the companies involved.
The Carter Center also emphasizes that financing for these specifications has long been a point of contention between mining operators and the communities they impact.
According to Fabien Mayani, head of the Human Rights and Just Transition program at the Carter Center, mining companies often exploit a provision in the mining code requiring 0.3% of their turnover for sustainable development.
However, this fund is frequently used to circumvent the more direct financial commitments laid out in the specifications.
The study attributes the low number of signed specifications and the modest budgets allocated to several factors, including a lack of information transparency between mining companies and communities, insufficient sustainable investment practices among some operators, and a lack of political will.
The report also criticizes the government at both the national and provincial levels for ineffective control and monitoring mechanisms.
To address these issues, the Carter Center recommends that the Minister of Mines set a minimum threshold for specification budgets at 5% of a mining company’s latest turnover or forecast turnover for companies in the development phase.
Additionally, the report suggests that provincial governors should include a specific budget line in provincial budgets to support the functioning of the permanent commission for specifications.
Lastly, it calls on Parliament to adopt stronger legal protections for the environment, natural resource exploitation, and community land rights, including enforcing the principles of free, prior, and informed consent.
