DRC: 14 NGOs welcome the transparency initiative in the mining reserves of the Gécamines – TFM partnership
A collective of 14 civil society NGOs working in the natural resources sector approves the decision of the Congolese State relating to the establishment of an ad hoc Commission within the Office of the Head of State whose mission is to clarify the data relating to mineral resources and mineral reserves in the partnership between Gécamines and TFM.
In a correspondence addressed to the Director of the Cabinet of the Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, they formulate some recommendations.
Indeed, these civil society organizations working in the natural resources sector say that they have read on social networks the decision of the Head of State on the establishment, organization and functioning of an ad hoc Commission within the Cabinet of the Head of State. the State responsible for clarifying all the data relating to mineral resources, mineral reserves and evaluation of the shareholding of Gécamines SA in the TFM mining project.
These organizations note with satisfaction the will of the President of the Republic to preserve the rights and strategic interests of the State.
They believe that it is important to have control over the mineral reserves and resources granted to economic operators.
They find that the need to assess partnerships is an issue that concerns all partnerships beyond the specificity of TFM.
They believe that this approach should be carried out on the basis of precise and objective criteria, in a transparent and inclusive procedure with all the stakeholders, namely the presidency, the Government, the companies concerned and civil society.
By way of recommendations, they suggest to the President of the Republic to invite the Prime Minister to instruct the Ministers of Portfolio and Mines to set up an interministerial commission to assess all partnerships and mining projects.
They invite him to be reassured that the appointment of the members of this Commission is made on the basis of objective criteria.
They want the work of the Commission not to be selective but to concern all joint ventures in which the companies of the State Portfolio have sold mining assets and own shares.
Finally, they propose that the State guide the process of evaluating partnerships and mining projects on the basis of the principles of transparency, objectivity in an approach of dialogue and collaboration with the partners of each joint venture.
