DRC Mines Secretary-General Calls for Implementation of Mining Sector Reforms at DRC Mining Week
DRC Mines Secretary-General Urges Implementation of Mining Reforms at DRC Mining Week
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been urged to accelerate the implementation of key recommendations aimed at strengthening its mining sector and expanding its role in global critical minerals value chains following the conclusion of a three-day industry forum.
The event concluded on June 19, with discussions focusing on the challenges facing the Congolese mining industry and the country’s strategic position in the global supply chain for minerals essential to the energy transition.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Mines Secretary-General Jacques Ramazani Lutuba, representing Minister of Mines Louis Watum, who was unable to attend.
Over three days, government officials, industry leaders and stakeholders examined the opportunities and obstacles shaping the future of the DRC’s mining sector.
Discussions highlighted the country’s vast mineral wealth, the importance of responsible mineral sourcing, and the need to increase local processing capacity to capture greater value from its resources.
“The discussions demonstrated that the Democratic Republic of Congo not only possesses exceptional mining potential, but also the assets necessary to play a central role in global energy transition value chains,” Ramazani said.
“The quality of the presentations and the issues raised throughout the forum clearly reflect the commitment of stakeholders to the development of the mining sector.
The discussions focused on the real challenges that continue to hinder growth, the responsible sourcing of critical minerals, and positioning the DRC as a major player in the local processing of these resources,” he added.
Ramazani expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the forum would reinforce ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening the mining industry and increasing its contribution to national development.
“I am convinced that the recommendations from this forum will further support efforts already underway to develop the mining sector and enable it to fully play its role as a driver of the national economy,” he said.
According to Ramazani, a stronger mining sector can stimulate growth across a range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, banking, transportation and telecommunications.
He called on mining companies, development partners and all industry stakeholders to support the government in implementing the forum’s recommendations and advancing the sustainable development of the sector.
The DRC remains one of the world’s leading producers of copper and cobalt and is seeking to expand local beneficiation and processing activities as demand for critical minerals continues to rise amid the global transition to cleaner energy technologies.
