DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Launches New Social Protection Scheme for Artisanal Miners’ Cooperatives
DRC Introduces New Insurance and Universal Health Coverage Program for Artisanal Miners
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a new social protection programme for artisanal mining operators organised in cooperatives, marking a major step toward improving welfare and safety standards in the country’s informal mining sector.
The initiative was introduced by Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba through Ministerial Decree No. 00278/CAB.MIN/MINES/01/2026, which establishes and regulates a new insurance scheme known as “Group Protection,” alongside universal health coverage for artisanal miners.
The reform is designed to strengthen social security protections for self-employed mining workers, who face significant occupational risks in their daily activities.
As part of the rollout, an official signing ceremony for the partnership agreement was held between the Service for Assistance and Support of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE), represented by Director General Jean-Paul Kapongo, and partner insurance companies Rawsûr, Afrissur, and Activa. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Mines.
Health and Social Protection for Artisanal Miners
According to the decree, the insurance programme aims to provide artisanal miners with access to health coverage, financial assistance for families in the event of death, and compensation for miners who suffer partial or total disability while working.
The scheme complements the DRC’s broader universal health coverage programme by introducing a protection system specifically tailored to the realities and risks of artisanal mining.
The decree also outlines the operational framework of the programme, including:
- Conditions for membership by artisanal miners;
- Payment procedures for insurance premiums;
- Claims processing mechanisms;
- Responsibilities of stakeholders involved in the management and supervision of the scheme.
Annual Premium and Compensation Benefits
Under the programme, each insured miner will pay an annual premium of US$54 for one year of coverage.
In cases of death or partial or total disability, beneficiaries may receive compensation of up to US$3,000.
The decree further establishes a Monitoring Committee responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the programme.
“Historic Milestone” for the Mining Sector
SAEMAPE Director General Jean-Paul Kapongo described the initiative as a historic development for artisanal miners across the DRC, many of whom have worked for decades without formal social protection.
Arsène Ntambuka, Director General of Afrissur the lead company in the insurance consortium also hailed the programme as a major breakthrough that will provide miners with structured insurance coverage and access to universal healthcare.
Stakeholders involved in the initiative reaffirmed their commitment to supporting artisanal miners in implementing the new protection scheme, which aligns with the vision of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and the government led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
The programme represents one of the most significant social protection reforms ever introduced for artisanal miners in the DRC after decades of limited access to insurance and healthcare support.
