Artisanal mining - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Minister of Mines Meets with Delegation to Address Illicit Mining Challenges in South Kivu 1

The Minister of Mines recently met with a delegation led by Mr. Davide Marcheselli, an Italian priest based in Kitutu, South Kivu. The delegation, representing the Association for the Defense of Victims of Mining Expropriations (ADVEM), highlighted the challenges faced by local communities due to illicit and illegal mining, particularly gold extraction. Mr. Marcheselli, along with members of civil society and the Catholic and Protestant Churches of Congo, emphasized the severity of the situation in the Mwenga territory. He noted that many companies operating in the region are not legally… Read More Here

557 Children Freed from Cobalt Mines in Haut-Katanga Reintegrated into Society

February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 Constance

A total of 557 children previously working in the cobalt mines at the Pumpe quarry in Kambove, Haut-Katanga province, have been successfully reintegrated into society. Joseph N’sambi Bulanda, the provincial Minister of Health and president of the monitoring committee for the PABEA cobalt project in Haut-Katanga, shared that non-formal education is also being integrated into this initiative. “We are collaborating with the village chief to make this happen,” he stated during his visit to the reintegration center in Kyembe village. The children have been placed at the Mwera 1 Institute,… Read More Here

Gold Artisanal mining International Mining safety

Mali Gold Mine Accident Kills 13, Including Women and Children

February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 Constance

Thirteen artisanal miners, including women and three children, lost their lives on Wednesday after a tunnel they were working in flooded at an open-pit gold mine near Danga village in Mali’s southwestern Koulikoro region, the National Union of Gold Counters and Refineries (UCROM) confirmed on Saturday. The disaster occurred when sluice gates from a nearby muddy water reservoir collapsed, sending a surge of water into the tunnel where miners, including women and children, were digging for leftover gold particles. UCROM Secretary General Taoule Camara described the situation as dire.“It is… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Diamond

DRC Diamond Exports Reach USD 66.4 Million in Q3 2024, Driven by Artisanal Production

January 26, 2025January 26, 2025 Constance

In the third quarter of 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) saw diamond exports generate approximately USD 66.4 million, according to a report from the Technical Cell for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM). The artisanal sector led the exports, with approximately 7.4 million carats exported, yielding an estimated USD 42.8 million in revenue. Export data by comptoir reveals that MALABAR was the leading exporter, accounting for 32% of the total quantity, followed by DIAMAZ with 21%, SAGA at 16%, AMAZONA at 19%, and MIABI at 9%. The MIABI comptoir… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining

Zambia Army Cracks Down on Illegal Mining Operations in Mapatizya

January 26, 2025January 26, 2025 Constance

The Zambia Army has uncovered an illegal mining operation in the Mapatizya area of Zimba District, Southern Province. During the operation, the army discovered two warehouses where illegal stones were being processed and impounded a truck carrying 28 tonnes of the illicit materials. Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele revealed this development during a courtesy call on Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai. General Zyeele clarified that the army’s involvement in combating illegal mining should not be mistaken for an interest in the mining sector. “Our focus is to eliminate all… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

CAMI Chair Denounces Illegal Mining in Tshopo Province, Promises Reforms

January 25, 2025January 25, 2025 Constance

During a mission to Kisangani, Crispin Mbindule, President of the Board of Directors of the Mining Registry (CAMI), confirmed the illegal exploitation of mining resources in Mangi, Tshopo Province. After verifying reports, Mbindule acknowledged the claims made by civil society. “Indeed, the allegations of illegal mining activities in Mangi are true. We found that several companies are operating without valid permits,” he stated. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Mbindule met with the president of the civil society in Banalia Territory and the provincial Mining Cadastre directorate to address issues related… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Six Killed in Landslide at Artisanal Mine in DRC’s Bas-Uele Province

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025 Constance

A tragic landslide at an artisanal mine in the Bondo territory of Bas-Uele province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), claimed the lives of six people on the night of January 11 to 12. The incident was reported by the provincial Minister of Mines, Modeste Midikilo, to local press over the weekend. The landslide occurred at the Don de Dieu/Ngbede mining site. Minister Midikilo confirmed that investigations would be launched into the incident. To prevent future tragedies, Minister Midikilo urged artisanal miners to adhere to safety standards and emphasized the need… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt Copper Lithium

South Kivu’s Mineral Wealth Lost to Illicit Mining, Earning Under $1 Million Annually

January 19, 2025January 19, 2025 Constance

South Kivu, a province rich in copper, cobalt, lithium, and other valuable minerals, generates less than $1 million annually due to widespread illicit mining activities. This stark contrast between the province’s mineral potential and its economic output was highlighted by Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi during a recent meeting with local stakeholders. Despite its mineral wealth, South Kivu remains one of the poorest regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a situation that Governor Purusi attributes to the illegal exploitation of its resources. “The mining sector does not even generate $1… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Tshopo Province Cracks Down on Illegal Mining Operations

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

The Tshopo provincial government has initiated decisive measures to address illegal mining operations, which have been rampant in the region for years. A total of 142 mining companies are reportedly operating without proper authorization, leading to significant revenue losses for the province. In a press release dated January 6, 2025, the government instructed all managers of mining and exploitation companies to register with the provincial Ministry of Mines by January 20, 2025. Companies failing to comply will face legal sanctions. Provincial Minister of Mines, Thomas Mesemo wa Mesemo, expressed frustration… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt

DRC Reports Decline in Child Labor in Cobalt Mines Amid Controversy

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

In its report published on December 31, 2024, the National Human Rights Commission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (CNDH) highlighted a decrease in the number of children working in cobalt mines in the Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces. However, the reported figures have sparked controversy. Prior to 2019, it was estimated that 360,000 children were working in these mines, according to organizations such as UNICEF. In contrast, the Congolese government reported a much lower figure of 14,850 child laborers. The CNDH, after consultation with Mines.cd, now estimates that the total… Read More Here