NGO Calls on DRC Govt to Ensure Mining Electricity Benefits Local Communities
Resource Matters Urges DRC to Publish Mining-Linked Energy Concessions to Protect Communities
To prevent mining companies in the lithium sector from monopolizing electricity solely for their operations at the expense of local communities, the NGO Resource Matters has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government to make all concession contracts related to energy assets linked to mining publicly available.
The recommendation appears in Resource Matters’ white paper, “From Raw Ore to Local Processing: Ways to Increase Added Value,” published in December 2025. The report highlights concerns over the opacity of rehabilitation contracts for certain hydroelectric power plants.
One example cited is the Mpiana-Mwanga hydroelectric power station in the Manono territory of Tanganyika province, whose rehabilitation was awarded to Katamba Mining SAS, a joint venture between Zijin Mining and Cominière. The report notes that additional agreements exist with AVZ Power for the rehabilitation of the same facility.
Resource Matters argues that publishing these concession agreements is essential to ensure that a portion of the electricity produced—not just the surplus—is reserved for community use and other industrial consumers in the region.
The NGO also emphasizes that any renovations funded by mining operators should include binding public service obligations to ensure that the benefits extend beyond the mining sector, safeguarding access to electricity for local communities and promoting equitable development.
