Artisanal mining - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Rwanda Considers Stricter Penalties to Combat Illegal Mining Under New Bill 1

Rwanda is once again contemplating stringent measures to curb illegal mining and mineral trade offenses with the introduction of the new Mining and Quarrying Operations Bill. This move follows increased pressure from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the international community, which have accused Rwanda of facilitating the laundering of minerals stolen from the DRC and fueling conflict in Eastern Congo to exploit these resources illicitly. Judith Uwizeye, Minister to the President of the Republic, highlighted the need to amend the existing 2018 law to impose harsher penalties that… Read More Here

International Artisanal mining

Mozambique Faces Major Challenges from Illegal Mining

May 17, 2024May 17, 2024 Constance

Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has identified illegal mining as a significant challenge for the country’s mining sector, acknowledging that a considerable number of Mozambicans depend on it for their livelihoods. “One of the areas where we face major challenges is mining. In the informal sector, many Mozambicans engage in illegal mining to support themselves, often without adhering to environmental and safety regulations,” said Carlos Zacarias. He made these remarks during the opening of the Coordinating Council meeting of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy in Mossuril,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt Copper Zinc

Lwisha Artisanal Miners Face Harassment and Exploitation by State Services

April 7, 2024April 7, 2024 Constance

At artisanal mining sites in Lwisha, located in the Haut-Katanga province, diggers endure not only the illegal presence of numerous state services but also harassment and arbitrary taxes. In areas like “Kasonga” or “Double Band,” where copper is extracted, artisanal diggers are subjected to abuses by state services. These services control the region, imposing various taxes and fees without clear justification, plunging diggers into perpetual poverty. Working under deplorable conditions, diggers in Lufira’s sector face multiple barriers controlled by different state departments, each demanding payments upon each visit. Refusal often… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Artisanal Miners in Lwisha Battle Harassment and Exploitation

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 Constance

In the artisanal mining sites of Lwisha, located in the Haut-Katanga province, numerous state services, often illegally present, alongside artisanal diggers, decry arbitrary harassment and taxes. At sites like “Kasonga” or “Double Band,” where copper is extracted by artisanal diggers, abuses by state services have been highlighted. The locality, situated 75 km from Lubumbashi, faces persistent challenges. Artisanal miners endure deplorable conditions, with most of their earnings falling into the hands of various state services controlling the region. Each visit to the sites entails paying exorbitant and unjustified taxes and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Certification Boosts Transparency in Congolese Artisanal Mining

March 14, 2024March 14, 2024 Constance

The Federal Institute of Geosciences and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Federation of Congolese Companies (FEC), has completed a six-month training program for two Congolese auditors on artisanal and small-scale mining. The accreditations were awarded to the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Kinshasa. Louis Watum, President of the Chamber of Mines within the FEC, emphasized the rigorous training undergone by the auditors, aimed at enhancing the certification process for artisanal mining activities, particularly in cobalt, copper, and the 3Ts (tin, tantalum, and tungsten). The auditors are tasked… Read More Here

Artisanal mining Events & Expos Mining in DRC

EITI Board Meeting in Toronto Sees DRC Push for Sustainable, Inclusive Mineral Supply Chains in Artisanal Mining

March 3, 2024March 3, 2024 arnbethnic

The Democratic Republic of Congo took part, from February 29 to March 1, 2024, in the work of the Board of Directors of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) held in Toronto, Canada. Placed under the theme “Disclosures on artisanal and small-scale mining in an informal world”, these meetings benefited from the contribution of the EITI-DRC, whose national coordinator, Jean-Jacques Kayembe, spoke , according to the ACP, for “support for sustainable and inclusive mineral supply chains”. The national coordinator of the EITI-DRC was not alone in this work, he was… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining

MUZ Urges Accelerated Formalization of Illegal Mining Operations in Zambia

February 25, 2024February 25, 2024 Constance

The Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has issued a compelling call to the government to accelerate the formalization process of illegal mining operations. MUZ President, Joseph Chewe, emphasized that expediting this process is essential to mitigate the occurrences of fatalities during mining activities. Chewe underscored the importance of refraining from demonizing illegal miners but rather integrating them into the formal sector, thereby enabling them to contribute positively to national development efforts. He emphasized that formalization would not only enhance safety standards but also facilitate government oversight through the deployment… Read More Here

Copper Artisanal mining Mining in Zambia

FQM AND MINE UNIONS SIGN COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FOR 2024

January 25, 2024January 25, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Ltd subsidiaries Kansanshi Mining and FQM Trident have signed a collective bargaining agreement with six unions that sees eligible employees receive an 8 percent increase in basic salary from January 1, 2024. The agreement was signed with the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW), Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), Miners and Allied Workers Union (MAWU), United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ), Consolidated Miners and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CMAUZ), and Miners Technicians, Artisans and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (MTAAWZ).Speaking during the… Read More Here

International Artisanal mining Gold

Tragic Mine Collapse Claims Lives of Over 40 Artisanal Gold Miners in Mali

January 25, 2024January 25, 2024 Constance

More than 40 artisanal gold miners lost their lives last week in southwest Mali when the shaft they were working in collapsed, as reported by Mali’s mines ministry on Wednesday. The incident highlights the dangers associated with artisanal mining, a prevalent activity in West Africa that has witnessed increased demand and higher metal prices in recent years. Artisanal miners often use outdated and unregulated methods, leading to frequent deadly accidents. The tragedy occurred on Friday in the Kangaba Cercle in the south-western Koulikoro Region. While the ministry’s statement on Tuesday… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining

Zambia’s Small Scale Mining Association Lauds Govt for Granting Local Mining Licenses

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

The Small Scale Mining Association expresses appreciation to the government for its initiative in granting numerous mining licenses to local entities. Acting President Kelvin Tembo applauds this move, highlighting its potential to stimulate economic growth and ensure widespread benefits for Zambians from the country’s mineral resources. In an exclusive interview with ZNBC in Kitwe, Tembo emphasizes the need for the government to tighten the procedures for obtaining and reselling mining licenses. This precautionary measure aims to prevent artisanal miners from engaging in unauthorized selling of their licenses. And mining economist… Read More Here