Lualaba Introduces New Framework for Artisanal Mining as Louis Watum Pursues Sector Reforms
Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba Resettles Artisanal Miners at Mulondo and Launches New Mining Governance Model
The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a significant step toward reforming relations between artisanal and industrial mining operators, with Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba overseeing the resettlement of artisanal miners at the Mulondo mining site in Lualaba Province.
The intervention, carried out at the Mulondo site located approximately 42 kilometres southeast of Kolwezi in Mutshatsha Territory, aims to resolve a long-running dispute that had halted artisanal mining activities for more than a year.
The disruption followed the arrival of mining company Pajeclem, which assumed control of a concession previously operated by Chemaf.
Accompanied by the provincial Minister of Mines and members of the inter-agency commission responsible for mining sector reforms, Watum implemented an agreement enabling artisanal miners organised under the Comikan cooperative to resume operations at the site.
The move represents more than the resumption of mining activities. It is being presented as part of a broader government strategy to modernise mining governance, reduce conflicts over mining concessions and establish a structured framework for coexistence between industrial mining companies and artisanal operators.
Under the agreement, Pajeclem has allocated two mining blocks to Comikan members, allowing artisanal miners to restart production within a clearly defined and regulated area.
Authorities say the arrangement balances the rights and responsibilities of both parties while ensuring compliance with existing mining regulations.
During his visit, the Mines Minister inspected the site, met with stakeholders and outlined measures designed to promote long-term cooperation and regulatory compliance.
The objective is to create a stable operating environment that recognises the economic importance of artisanal mining while safeguarding the legal rights of concession holders.
The initiative has been welcomed by both artisanal miners and industrial stakeholders as a practical solution to a dispute that had affected livelihoods and mining operations in the area.
For members of the Comikan cooperative, the agreement provides an opportunity to resume economic activities within a more structured and legally recognised framework.
Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of the cooperative expressed their appreciation to President Félix Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba for their role in resolving the impasse.
They also urged cooperative members to operate responsibly, respect mining regulations and abandon practices that could undermine the sector’s credibility.
The Mulondo initiative reflects the government’s broader objective of strengthening governance in the mining sector while demonstrating that artisanal and industrial mining activities can coexist when supported by clear rules and effective oversight.
Authorities say the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to restore state authority in mining regions, improve transparency and promote responsible resource management.
The approach emphasises dialogue and negotiated solutions rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
With the Mulondo agreement now in place, the government hopes the model can serve as an example for resolving similar disputes elsewhere in the country, helping to create a more stable, productive and inclusive mining sector.
