DRC Authorities Push for Legal Framework and Viable Zones to Manage Artisanal Mining Invasions
DRC Tackles Artisanal Mining Invasions: SAEMAPE Calls for Legal Compliance and Structured Solutions
The invasion of mining sites by artisanal miners is increasingly causing conflicts and operational challenges in Grand Katanga and other mining regions across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In response, Jean-Paul Kapongo Kadiobo, Director General of the Assistance and Supervision Service for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE), emphasized the strict application of Article 30 of the DRC Mining Code.
He spoke at the closing of a high-level workshop co-organized by the Chamber of Mines, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and DAK, the dialogue framework for sustainable investments, on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Lubumbashi.
Key Findings on Artisanal Mining Invasions
One workshop commission analyzed the root causes of mining site invasions, including:
Social pressure and high unemployment
Lack of viable artisanal mining zones (ZEAs)
Companies’ reluctance to cede portions of their concessions
State incentives encouraging illegal operations through fee collection
Participants emphasized that artisanal mining is legal, but must strictly comply with the law. Coexistence on the same site is only possible if the titleholder explicitly cedes part of their concession in writing, resulting in the formal waiver of that section.
SAEMAPE’s Position
Jean-Paul Kapongo was categorical:
“Everything must be done in strict compliance with Article 30 of the Mining Code. Artisanal mining is recognized by law, but it must remain within legal limits.”
He urged miners to respect designated zones and resist manipulation by third parties, while deploring political interference that complicates SAEMAPE’s oversight.
Workshop Recommendations
Participants proposed several measures to ensure peaceful and legal cohabitation between companies and artisanal miners:
Guarantee full application of the law while protecting the rights of both concession holders and artisanal miners.
Establish new viable ZEAs and rehabilitate existing ones, mobilizing resources for their development.
Identify companies willing to cede portions of their concessions for artisanal mining.
Transfer renounced areas to the State to formalize them as ZEAs for cooperative use.
Initiate legal actions against illegal operators invading licensed sites.
Mobilize funding for artisanal mining through instruments such as FOMIN and DOT, and consider establishing a dedicated credit bank.
Provide resources to the National Geological Service to explore and identify mineral reserves suitable for artisanal mining.
The Director General reassured artisanal mining cooperatives of his ongoing support and advocacy with the Head of State for the sector’s development and recognition under national law.
