DRC Mining Companies Accused of Failing to Pay 0.3% Community Contribution
Afrewatch Urges Stricter Oversight as Mining Firms Fail to Pay Dues to Congolese Communities
During a high-level workshop in Lubumbashi (September 9–12), organized by the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) through IDAK, the African Observatory of Natural Resources (Afrewatch) raised concerns over widespread non-compliance by mining companies with their legal obligation to contribute 0.3% of turnover to local communities affected by mining activities.
Afrewatch highlighted findings from the Court of Auditors’ June report, which revealed that nearly half of audited companies were in default. “Out of 44 companies audited, 21 had not paid the full amount due at the time of inspection.
Established operators such as COMMUS, RUBAMIN, RUASHI MINING, KCC, TFM, and SICOMINES were among those cited,” the note stated.
The watchdog further denounced companies like OM METAL RESSOURCES, SACIM, and STL, which allegedly made no payments at all between 2018 and 2023, yet continue operations without facing sanctions.
According to Afrewatch, many firms delay payments or split them into multiple installments—practices not permitted under the Congolese Mining Code. Such irregularities disrupt financial planning for community-focused organizations and, in some cases, have forced the suspension of projects, as seen with DOT SICOMINES.
Afrewatch has called on mining companies to fully comply with their obligations and urged the supervisory committee to strengthen enforcement. The group recommends sanctions against non-compliant firms to ensure that communities receive their rightful benefits.
The Ministry of Mines and Social Affairs has echoed these demands, warning that companies failing to meet their commitments risk penalties, including the withdrawal of mining titles.
