Artisanal mining - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Major Reduction in Child Labor Achieved in North Kivu Mining Sites

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

Civil society in Lubero territory, North Kivu province, has expressed satisfaction with the significant reduction in the number of children working in mining sites. Mbule Mandatex, a representative of this civic group, reported that numerous mining operators have been made aware of the strict ban on child labor in mining activities. “We have benefited from the popularization of the mining code, which formally prohibits the presence of children in mining sites. All cooperatives and mining managers are now aware of this, resulting in the rarity of children and pregnant women… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Gold

Senior Chief Shakumbila Urges Govt Action on Illegal Gold Mining in Mumbwa

June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 Constance

Senior Chief Shakumbila of the Sala-ila people in Shibuyunji and Mumbwa districts has revealed that approximately 22 kilograms of illegally mined gold are flown out of the district each month. Speaking during a courtesy call from Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe at his palace, the traditional leader lamented the widespread illegal mining activities in the district. “Every month, around 22 kilograms of gold are taken out of our district and sold to private buyers at exorbitant prices, with minimal benefits for our communities,” he stated. The government… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Economy

Zambia Plans to Create Billionaires from Mining While Enforcing Investor Accountability

June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 Constance

Mines and Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has announced the Zambian government’s ambitious plan to transform the mining industry by creating billionaires and empowering local miners. Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka, Kabuswe highlighted the administration’s commitment to supporting Zambian miners and enforcing strict regulations to ensure investor accountability. Kabuswe asserted that under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, the government would not tolerate any investor misconduct. “We want to support all Zambians. We want many small-scale Zambians to engage in mining. Our message to artisanal and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Diamond

Mayor of Mbuji-Mayi Cracks Down on Illegal Diamond Mining in Residential Areas

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

In Mbuji-Mayi, the capital of the Kasaï-Orientale province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an old practice has resurfaced: artisanal miners are digging for diamonds in residential plots. The consequences of such mining have prompted the town’s mayor to issue a stern warning to those involved. After conducting a raid, Jean-Marie Lutumba, Mayor of Mbuji-Mayi, condemned the illicit exploitation, which is reportedly occurring with the complicity of certain members of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC) and the police. “I have invited the head of the hydro mine… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Rwanda Considers Stricter Penalties to Combat Illegal Mining Under New Bill

May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 Constance

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