Artisanal mining - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Gold

Seven Miners Die in Mungwalu Gold Mine Tragedy Amid Heavy Rain

September 15, 2024September 15, 2024 Constance

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in the mining region of Mungwalu, Djugu Territory, about 85 kilometers north of Bunia in Ituri, where seven artisanal gold miners lost their lives after heavy rainfall flooded the “Makala” gold mine. According to local civil society reports shared with Radio Okapi, torrential rain caused water to flow from surrounding hills, flooding the mine and trapping the workers inside, unable to escape. This tragedy highlights the unsafe working conditions faced by artisanal miners in the region. Without proper safety measures, miners… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Over 45 Arrested in South Kivu for Mining Fraud and Illicit Activities

September 9, 2024September 9, 2024 Constance

More than 45 individuals involved in fraud and illegal mineral exploitation in South Kivu have been arrested and detained at the central prison in Bukavu. Among those arrested are two magistrates. Governor Jacques Purusi made this announcement during a meeting at Concorde Stadium on Sunday, September 8. Governor Purusi condemned the “disorder” in the South Kivu mining sector and pledged to address it. “We initially believed there were only about a hundred entities illegally mining minerals in South Kivu. However, we discovered numerous illegal activities, including the use of acids… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Copper

Zambia’s Mines Minister Warns Mining Licence Holders Against Illegal Mining

August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 Constance

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has emphasized that the responsibility to curb illegal mining lies with licence holders, not the government. He warned that licence holders allowing illegal activities on their tenements risk losing their licences. In a media briefing last week, Kabuswe clarified that according to the Mines and Minerals Act, it is the duty of licence holders to ensure security on their tenements. He specifically addressed concerns about illegal mining at Sensele Mine, stating that the government does not own the mine, and the responsibility for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Gold Mine Safety News in Brief

Tragedy Strikes Illegal Gold Mining Operation in Shiwang’andu

July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 Constance

A tragic incident occurred in Shiwang’andu, Muchinga Province, where an unidentified man lost his life and another was injured during illegal gold mining activities. The accident took place on Friday around 16:00 at the Chipindo gold mine in Chief Mukwikile’s chiefdom. The survivor, 23-year-old Felix Mulenga from Mpika district, was rescued by fellow miners and rushed to Mpika Urban Clinic. Unfortunately, the deceased was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Mulenga suffered bruises to his neck, lips, and eyelids and is currently receiving treatment. Police commanding officer Paul Achinme confirmed that… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt Copper

Civil Society Calls for Transparency on Child Labor Statistics in DRC Mining

June 30, 2024July 1, 2024 Constance

During the 19th edition of DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, Grant Leaity, UNICEF’s representative in the DRC, alarmed attendees with statistics suggesting that around 361,000 children are engaged in copper and cobalt mining in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces. This revelation has prompted Congolese civil society to raise concerns and demand further verification and transparency regarding these figures. In response to UNICEF’s statement, Congolese civil society has expressed reservations about the reported numbers of child laborers in mining sites. They emphasize the need for additional information and rigorous verification of these… Read More Here