DRC Lawmakers Push for Stronger Mining Regulation in Walikale as CAMI Strengthens Oversight
DRC Mining Cadastre and Parliamentarians Urge Compliance with Mining Code in Walikale
Kinshasa, DRC — The Mining Cadastre (CAMI) has engaged in discussions with a parliamentary delegation led by national deputy Michel Moto, elected from Walikale territory, over growing concerns about non-compliance with mining standards in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The delegation, received by CAMI Director General Popol Mabolia Yenga and his deputy Jacques Muyumba Ndubula, highlighted violations of legal and regulatory provisions by several mining companies operating in Walikale, a resource-rich but poorly regulated region.
Parliamentarians expressed concern over the limited oversight of companies exploiting Walikale’s vast mineral wealth, often with outdated or informal practices. They urged CAMI to reinforce regulatory mechanisms and ensure full compliance with the 2018 Mining Code, stressing the need for responsible mining that benefits both the state and local communities.
In response, DG Mabolia welcomed parliament’s engagement and reaffirmed CAMI’s commitment to rigorous mining governance. He called for stronger involvement of the National Assembly in monitoring compliance to safeguard national interests.
Walikale is home to major deposits of tin, coltan, and gold. Its most prominent site, the Bisie mine, operated by Canadian-listed Alphamin Resources, produced approximately 17,300 tonnes of tin concentrate in 2024, equivalent to around 6% of global supply.
However, the region remains vulnerable to insecurity and armed conflict. In March 2025, Alphamin was forced to suspend operations due to the advance of M23 rebels, dealing a severe blow to local economies. Operations gradually resumed in April 2025 following the withdrawal of armed groups.
Beyond Walikale, CAMI has taken significant steps to improve accountability and transparency in the mining sector:
In July 2025, it reported recovering over 31,000 km² of mining territory through cadastral register consolidation.
In May 2025, it gave mining rights holders a deadline to regularize surface rights payments, warning of sanctions under Article 287 of the Mining Code.
In June 2025, DG Mabolia urged the Senate to strengthen national sovereignty over copper and cobalt mining, criticizing excessive foreign control of strategic resources.
These efforts reflect a broader push to ensure the DRC’s vast mineral wealth is managed in line with legal and regulatory frameworks, with the twin goals of protecting public revenue and promoting sustainable development in mining communities.
