Political Authorities Accused of Coercive Mining Contracts in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga
The Platform of Organizations for the Promotion and Defense of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DESC/DRC) has released a revealing investigation titled “Implementation of Transparency in the Management of Extractive Industries in a Politicized Sector.”
The report highlights how influential political figures in the DRC exploit state mining assets, particularly through contracts awarded by Gécamines under questionable circumstances.
Key Findings:
- Politically Connected Exploiters: The investigation alleges that Congolese political figures use threats to secure mining contracts from Gécamines for embankment exploitation. These individuals reportedly bring in Chinese and Lebanese workers to operate the sites, which are guarded by elements of the Republican Guard.
- Site Occupation: Mining sites in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga provinces are reportedly under the control of political authorities who leverage their influence to dominate the sector.
The report also scrutinizes the Entreprise Générale de Cobalt (EGC), a subsidiary of Gécamines established in November 2019 to oversee the ethical purchase and marketing of artisanal cobalt in line with OECD due diligence guidelines. DESC/DRC asserts that the EGC has deviated from its mission:
- Instead of creating and supervising artisanal mining zones, the EGC allegedly focuses on obtaining mining permits.
- The investigation reveals details of permits granted for two significant mining concessions, PE 2348 and PE 2349, with high cobalt and copper content, for which Gécamines has paid surface rights until 2040.
The investigation accuses generals, governors, ministers, and close associates of political leaders, including their family members, of engaging in these corrupt practices.
DESC/DRC’s findings call attention to the urgent need for reforms in the DRC’s mining sector to combat corruption and ensure transparent management of its rich natural resources.
