Civil Society Calls for Transparent and Responsible Mineral Exploitation in the DRC
DRC Civil Society Urges Transparency and Sustainable Partnerships in Strategic Mineral Exploitation
On July 16, 2025, the Coalition for the Recovery of the Assets of the Congolese People (CORAC), alongside key civil society groups, issued a strong appeal for responsible and transparent management of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) strategic mineral resources.
The DRC is blessed with vast natural wealth—including copper, cobalt, gold, diamonds, timber, and abundant water resources—but decades of mismanagement continue to weigh heavily on the nation’s development.
The statement revisits the controversial case of Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, long criticized for his mining activities in the DRC.
However, an Israeli arbitration ruling in 2024 cleared him of corruption charges, confirming that payments to local actors were legitimately used to fund social projects, infrastructure, education, and healthcare in collaboration with local communities.
A landmark 2022 agreement between Gertler and the Congolese government facilitated the transfer of mining and oil assets back to the state.
This deal set the foundation for a new cooperation model in which private investors contribute a share of the wealth to the country and actively participate in national development.
CORAC also highlighted its official request for the removal of U.S. sanctions on Gertler, arguing that these restrictions limit the full utilization of returned assets and negatively impact the DRC’s appeal to future investors.
Through this platform, Congolese civil society advocates for a new generation of investors dedicated to working hand-in-hand with local populations to foster a more equitable, sustainable, and transparent economy.
The Gertler case, CORAC concludes, underscores that sustainable development depends on shared responsibility among governments, businesses, and citizens alike.
