Glencore Reinforces Commitment to Sustainable Mining and Local Value Creation in the DRC
Glencore Highlights Responsible Mining and Local Development at DRC Mining Week 2026
Glencore has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and local development after sponsoring and actively participating in a major industry event themed “From Local Player to Global Hub for Critical Minerals.” The forum, held during DRC Mining Week, brought together key stakeholders from across the mining value chain for a week of discussions on strategic priorities, investment opportunities, and the future of critical minerals.
Present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2007, Glencore operates two major industrial copper and cobalt assets in Lualaba Province: Kamoto Copper Company SA (KCC) and Mutanda Mining SARL (MUMI).
KCC is a joint venture with Gécamines and the Congolese state, while MUMI also includes recent state participation.
As part of the event’s opening ceremony, Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC and Chair of KCC, emphasized the importance of aligning mineral development with human capital advancement.
She stated that the DRC’s greatest strength lies not only in its vast mineral wealth, but also in its skilled and resilient population, stressing that the future of the sector depends on unlocking and developing local talent to ensure mining delivers broad and sustainable socio-economic benefits.
She further highlighted Glencore’s workforce strategy in the DRC, noting that the vast majority of employees are Congolese nationals, including in managerial roles.
According to her, investing in local skills development and sourcing programs is central to ensuring long-term value creation beyond the lifespan of mining operations.
Throughout Mining Week, Glencore also sponsored a panel discussion titled “Critical Minerals, Global Impact: Local Development, Global Responsibility.” The session brought together industry and diplomatic representatives, including Marie-Chantal Kaninda, Ian McCary (Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy), and mining expert Professor Jean-Marc Kilolo.
Discussions focused on the operational progress of KCC and MUMI, both of which are certified under the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and fully aligned with the Copper Mark framework following independent assessments based on 33 environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
These certifications were presented as key indicators of transparency, traceability, and responsible production across global supply chains.
Glencore reiterated that its copper and cobalt production in the DRC plays a significant role in supporting national development, while also contributing to infrastructure investments, community development programs, and broader ESG commitments.
In addition to its panel participation, the company engaged in multiple high-level sessions, including discussions organized by the United States delegation, a special session hosted by the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI), and a CEO roundtable featuring senior industry leaders.
The group also took part in a forum focused on expanding financial opportunities for women in the mining sector.
During this session, Marie-Chantal Kaninda delivered a keynote address alongside panelist Eliane Mboso, underscoring the importance of advancing women’s participation and leadership within the mining industry.
Overall, DRC Mining Week continues to serve as a key regional platform for dialogue on the mining sector, enabling stakeholders to assess evolving risks and opportunities, challenge assumptions, and promote informed investment decisions that support sustainable industry growth in the DRC and beyond.
