André Mbata Leads DRC-China Parliamentary Delegation on Visit to TFM
André Mbata Leads 23 DRC MPs on Visit to Tenke Fungurume to Assess Mining Investment and Operations
A delegation of 23 members of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) National Assembly, accompanied by representatives of the Chinese Embassy, visited Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) in Lualaba on September 23 as part of a working mission to Chinese-backed mining companies operating in the province.
The delegation was led by Professor André Mbata, coordinator of the DRC-China Friendship Group. The visit was aimed at gaining a better understanding of the operations, investments and community initiatives of Chinese-backed mining companies in the DRC.
At TFM, the delegation was received by Aldry Luzanga, Director-General responsible for reforms and human resources.
Discussions focused on issues affecting the company’s operations, including workplace safety, electricity supply and coordination with government services.
Mbata thanked TFM management for the reception and acknowledged the information provided on the company’s operations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.
He highlighted the contribution of TFM to the national budget and the diversity of the parliamentary delegation, while expressing Parliament’s willingness to help address the operational challenges raised by the company.
Mbata also commended TFM’s contribution to the national economy and its community initiatives, encouraging the company to maintain and strengthen its efforts in this area.
The discussions were followed by a question-and-answer session between the parliamentarians and TFM management, providing an opportunity for the delegation to seek further information about the company’s activities and challenges.
The visitors then toured TFM’s 30K processing plant, where they were briefed on the company’s industrial processes and production operations.
From an observation platform, the delegation viewed TFM’s mining and processing facilities as well as its finished copper and cobalt products, which are key minerals used in energy-transition technologies.
The visit formed part of the broader parliamentary mission to mining companies with Chinese capital in Lualaba and provided lawmakers with an opportunity to examine investments, operational challenges, economic contributions and community-related activities directly at mining sites.
