Artisanal mining - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Lualaba Governor Addresses Artisanal Mining in the Province

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Constance0 comment

Fifi Masuka, Governor of Lualaba province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), clarified the scale of artisanal mining operations in the region during a presentation of her first 100 days in office on Friday. She corrected the misconception that 5,000 artisanal miners were operating in the province, stating the actual number is closer to 450,000. “Sometimes, we manage them with patience and prayer,” Masuka remarked, acknowledging the potential dangers of large crowds of miners. “We’re fortunate they remain in the mines, where cooperatives organize them. However, the situation could… Read More Here

DRC Diamond Production Sees 27% Growth in Early 2024 Driven by Artisanal Mining

November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 Constance

Diamond production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains primarily artisanal, according to recent provisional data from the Ministry of Mines’ Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM). In the first half of 2024, artisanal mining operations produced 3,319,025 carats, accounting for nearly 68% of the country’s total diamond output. Kasaï-Oriental province reaffirmed its position as the leading artisanal diamond producer, contributing almost 99% of the sector’s production. Industrial mining also saw significant growth, yielding 1,544,190 carats, while semi-industrial mining contributed a modest 1,433 carats. In total, diamond… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Unchecked Mining in DRC’s South Kivu Raises Concerns Over Illegal Activity and Environmental Harm

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 Constance

South Kivu, a province rich in tin, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, rare earths, and gold deposits in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), faces persistent security challenges that deter large industry investors from entering the area. Instead, mining is largely conducted by cooperatives and foreign firms, especially those with Chinese capital. Many operate with impunity, often in violation of DRC’s mining regulations, and with the alleged support of powerful figures. A prominent example is Tong Li Resources, a Chinese company involved in gold mining in South Kivu and neighboring Maniema Province.… Read More Here

Diamond Artisanal mining Mining in DRC

DRC Authorities Close Kanshi Commune’s Artisanal Diamond Mine to Protect Resident Safety

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Constance

The artisanal and clandestine diamond mine in the Kanshi commune of Eastern Kasai was officially closed on Monday, October 21, 2024, to safeguard the lives of local residents, as stated in a report from the Council of Ministers. “The governor announced the permanent closure of the artisanal diamond mine in Kanshi and the establishment of enhanced surveillance measures to prevent further tragedies,” the report noted. This decision follows a series of fatalities linked to clandestine diamond mining activities, primarily conducted by young residents, which have resulted in significant loss of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

DRC Commits to Reducing Child Labor in Artisanal Mines

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

DRC Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing child labor in artisanal mines. Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa, he highlighted collaborative efforts with international organizations and ministries such as the Interior and Defense to rescue children from dangerous mining environments and reintegrate them into age-appropriate activities. “The locations where these children work are well identified. We are working with ministerial commissions and international organizations to relocate them and remove them from the mines,” the minister stated. Pakabomba also addressed recent reports by UNICEF during… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt

DRC’s Minister of Mines Commits to Eradicating Child Labor in Cobalt Mining

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

In a press release dated October 14, 2024, the Ministry of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo expressed its “astonishment” at the inclusion of Congolese cobalt on the list of products potentially associated with child labor, as reported by the United States Department of Labor. This statement follows a previous reaction from the government through the Ministry of Communication and Media. The ministry pointed out that while this decision highlights ongoing challenges in certain regions related to artisanal cobalt mining—representing only 5% of the country’s national production—it fails to… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Events & Expos

Minister Kabuswe Calls for Urgent Action Against Illegal Mining in Zambia

October 11, 2024October 11, 2024 Constance

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has emphasized the need for an urgent investigation into the persistent illegal mining activities in Zambia, despite government efforts to curb the issue. Kabuswe noted that, although security officers have been deployed to protect mining sites, illegal activities continue. He stressed that the government will intensify efforts to implement stricter measures to combat illegal mining, while encouraging the formalization of small-scale miners to ensure safer mining practices. The Minister made these remarks during his closing address at the 2024 Mining and Investment Insaka… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Events & Expos

President Hichilema Condemns Illegal Mining, Calls for Investor Partnerships

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 Constance

President Hakainde Hichilema has declared the loss of miners due to illegal mining activities as unacceptable, stressing that such practices must not continue. Speaking at the Mining Insaka, President Hichilema called on investors to collaborate with small-scale miners by purchasing their minerals as a strategy to curb illegal mining. He emphasized the importance of large mining companies creating opportunities for small-scale miners to ensure fair participation in the sector. The President noted that the government has issued over 500 small-scale mining licenses to promote legal mining activities among citizens. He… Read More Here

International Artisanal mining Gold

Ghanaians Protest Against Illegal Mining, Call for Government Action

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 Constance

Hundreds of Ghanaians took to the streets for a second consecutive day, urging the government to crack down on illegal mining in the country, which is Africa’s top gold producer. Protesters carried placards demanding action to stop illegal mining, which they blame for polluting rivers and degrading soil across Ghana. A final day of demonstrations is planned for Saturday, according to a Bloomberg report. “This is not just a crisis; it’s a fight for the soul of our nation,” said Brownson Adatsi, lead convener of the Free The Citizens Movement,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Justicia Asbl Calls for Legal Action Against Illegal Mining by Foreign Nationals in DRC

September 22, 2024September 22, 2024 Constance

In Haut-Katanga province, the human rights organization Justicia Asbl has urged legal action against immigrants, particularly Chinese and Lebanese nationals, involved in illegal mineral exploitation in Kambove, southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This appeal was made in a press release issued in Kinshasa on Saturday. Justicia Asbl praised provincial Minister of Mines and Environment, Lucien Lumano, for ordering a halt to industrial mining activities on an artisanal site and for arresting illegal immigrants involved in the operation. The organization encouraged authorities to take legal measures to shut down illegal… Read More Here