DRC Launches Commission to Strengthen Artisanal Mining Governance
DR Congo Establishes Commission to Improve Artisanal Mining Governance and Traceability
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Minister of Mines Louis Watum officially inaugurated the work of an ad hoc commission tasked with supervising and regulating artisanal mining activities in the country.
The commission brings together key mining sector organizations, including Gécamines, EGC, SAEMAPE, CAMI, ARECOMS, alongside technical and legal experts. Its mandate is to ensure the formalization, traceability, security, and responsible governance of artisanal mining.
During the inaugural session, members clarified their respective roles, identified priority areas, and established a work schedule structured around thematic groups. Key focus areas include the structuring of mining flows, combating fraud, and the integration of ARECOMS into regulatory frameworks.
Commission Objectives
The commission aims to achieve several critical outcomes:
Mapping viable Artisanal Exploitation Zones (ZEA) to guide responsible mining.
Developing collaboration protocols among stakeholders.
Producing an audit report with binding recommendations.
Issuing a comprehensive report on ARECOMS and its integration into the sector.
Minister Watum emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable mining sector, enhancing the livelihoods of artisanal miners, and boosting the country’s appeal for responsible investment.
Through this structured approach, DR Congo seeks to balance economic development, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship in one of Africa’s most critical mining sectors.
