DRC Chamber of Mines Urges Rapid Artisanal Mining Reform After Mulondo Disaster
Chamber of Mines Calls for Urgent Reform After Mulondo Tragedy and Minister’s Plane Incident
The Chamber of Mines of the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) has issued a strong call for structural reform following two major incidents: the tragedy at the Mulondo artisanal mining site and the plane crash involving Minister of Mines Louis Watum as he traveled to assess the situation.
In a statement signed by its President, Bin Nassor Kasongo, the Chamber highlights the urgent need to build a diversified, secure, and economically viable industrial alternative for the millions of Congolese who depend on artisanal mining for survival.
Condolences After the Mulondo Mining Tragedy
The Chamber expressed profound sorrow over the fatal accident that occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Mulondo artisanal site in Lualaba province, which claimed several lives.
“On behalf of all mining companies and member organizations, we extend our condolences to the bereaved families, the artisanal mining community, and the mining sector in Lualaba,” the statement reads.
Support for Minister Watum After Plane Incident
President Bin Nassor Kasongo also expressed shock at the plane crash that occurred on November 17, 2025, at Kolwezi airport involving Minister Louis Watum and his delegation. The Minister was traveling to investigate the Mulondo incident. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The Chamber conveyed its full support and sympathy to the Minister and his team.
A Call to Confront Harsh Realities
According to the Chamber, the Mulondo tragedy reflects a long-tolerated crisis in the artisanal mining sector.
“The artisanal exploitation of copper, cobalt, and other heavy metals, as practiced today, carries severe human, environmental, and social risks,” the statement warns.
The Chamber points to widespread issues in artisanal mining, including:
Dangerous working conditions
Frequent collapses of unregulated tunnels
Exposure to toxic substances
Violence and extreme precarity
Lack of adequate supervision
This model, it notes, has expanded due to limited job opportunities for Congolese youth.
Call for Structural Reform
The Chamber insists on the need for deep, long-term reform to protect miners and create sustainable alternatives. It recalls a high-level workshop held in September 2025 with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI-RDC) and the Sustainable Investment Platform in Katanga (IDAK), which issued key recommendations that now await government approval and implementation.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working with authorities, civil society, and international partners to bring meaningful, lasting change to the artisanal mining sector.
“The situation is urgent and demands coordinated and immediate action,” the Chamber President stressed.
