Haut-Uele Governor Suspends Chinese Mining Activities Over Violations 1 Mining in DRC 

Haut-Uele Governor Suspends Chinese Mining Activities Over Violations

The Governor of Haut-Uele province has ordered the suspension of mining activities by Chinese operators in the region following a mission to Watsa. The suspension stems from several factors, including illegal exploitation and environmental damage caused by these foreign miners. The provincial authorities noted that the Chinese operators were not only exploiting resources under the guise of Congolese mining cooperatives but also engaging in semi-industrial activities using heavy machinery, in violation of mining laws. Jean Bakomito, the provincial authority, expressed concern that while the Congolese request permits for artisanal mining,… Read More Here
USA Invests $2 Million to Promote Responsible Artisanal Mining in DRC 2 Cobalt Copper Mining in DRC 

USA Invests $2 Million to Promote Responsible Artisanal Mining in DRC

The United States has announced a $2 million investment aimed at supporting responsible artisanal copper and cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. government’s initiative, detailed in a press release by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on January 16, seeks to promote ethical mining practices of these essential metals, which play a crucial role in the global energy transition. The U.S. commitment aligns with the Congolese government’s efforts to reform the artisanal mining sector. USAID funding will support the state-owned company EGC in… Read More Here
Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Prison and Fines for Illegal Mining and Money Laundering in DRC 3 Mining in DRC 

Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Prison and Fines for Illegal Mining and Money Laundering in DRC

A Congolese court has sentenced three Chinese nationals to seven years in prison after they were arrested with gold bars and $400,000 in cash, found guilty of illegal activities linked to the country’s artisanal mining sector. This trial marks a significant step in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ongoing efforts to combat unlicensed mineral extraction. The three men are the first Chinese nationals to stand trial since Congo intensified its crackdown on illegal mining in the resource-rich, conflict-stricken east. Christian Wanduma, a lawyer representing local communities, described the trial as… Read More Here
Political Authorities Accused of Coercive Mining Contracts in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga 4 Mining in DRC 

Political Authorities Accused of Coercive Mining Contracts in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga

The Platform of Organizations for the Promotion and Defense of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DESC/DRC) has released a revealing investigation titled “Implementation of Transparency in the Management of Extractive Industries in a Politicized Sector.” The report highlights how influential political figures in the DRC exploit state mining assets, particularly through contracts awarded by Gécamines under questionable circumstances. Key Findings: The report also scrutinizes the Entreprise Générale de Cobalt (EGC), a subsidiary of Gécamines established in November 2019 to oversee the ethical purchase and… Read More Here
DRC Seeks Mining Partners to Diversify Away from Chinese Dominance 5 Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper 

DRC Seeks Mining Partners to Diversify Away from Chinese Dominance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s top cobalt producer and a key source of copper and other critical minerals, is actively seeking new mining investors to diversify its partnerships and reduce heavy reliance on Chinese companies. This includes pursuing investments from Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and India, according to Marcellin Paluku, Deputy Cabinet Director in the Ministry of Mines. Chinese companies, many of them state-backed, have emerged as the largest investors in the DRC in recent years, significantly expanding their footprint in the country’s mining sector. CMOC… Read More Here
Felix Tshisekedi Contracts Mining in DRC Governance 

President Tshisekedi Pushes for Mineral Traceability to Curb Armed Group Funding in the DRC

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) addressed ambassadors accredited to the country on Saturday, January 18, 2025, highlighting government initiatives to improve the traceability of “strategic” minerals from the eastern region. In his speech, President Tshisekedi underscored the importance of transparency and certification mechanisms aimed at ensuring Congolese natural resources truly benefit the nation. “In 2024, we intensified efforts to strengthen the traceability of our minerals with the support of international partners. We have also initiated discussions on implementing transparency and certification mechanisms to ensure our… Read More Here
IMF Approves $2.87 Billion Agreement with DRC for Economic Growth and Climate Resilience 6 Mining in DRC Economy 

IMF Approves $2.87 Billion Agreement with DRC for Economic Growth and Climate Resilience

On January 15, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board approved a new cooperation agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), encompassing two major programs worth $2.87 billion. The package includes a $1.77 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and a $1.1 billion Climate Resilience Facility (CRF). Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka announced the agreement following an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, confirmed that disbursements will occur in tranches, contingent on progress in implementing agreed economic reforms.… Read More Here
South Kivu’s Mineral Wealth Lost to Illicit Mining, Earning Under $1 Million Annually 7 Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt Copper Lithium 

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

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
DRC’s Economy Thrived in 2024 Amid Challenges, Records 6% GDP Growth 8 Mining in DRC Economy 

DRC’s Economy Thrived in 2024 Amid Challenges, Records 6% GDP Growth

Despite persistent security challenges in the eastern regions, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) achieved remarkable economic growth in 2024, with its real GDP growth rate estimated at 6.0%, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This economic performance surpassed initial IMF projections of 4.7%, highlighting the country’s resilience in navigating economic and security challenges. Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba credited the growth to effective public financial management and the stabilization of the macroeconomic framework. “Prudent fiscal policies have laid the foundation for this exceptional growth,” he stated. The mining sector,… Read More Here
$700 Million Set for Phase One of Kinshasa-Brazzaville Bridge Project 9 Mining in DRC Infrastructural Development Transport and Logistics 

$700 Million Set for Phase One of Kinshasa-Brazzaville Bridge Project

The total cost of the first phase of the Kinshasa-Brazzaville road-rail bridge construction project is estimated at $700 million. This figure was announced during a restitution meeting held on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, and chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The meeting brought together delegations of experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo. DRC’s Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Gisaro, emphasized that this cost serves as a baseline, with the project expected to evolve over multiple phases. “Many other projects will be… Read More Here

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