DRC Mining Audit Reveals Mismanagement of 0.3% Community Development Funds
DRC Court of Auditors Uncovers Widespread Mismanagement of Mining Community Funds
The Court of Auditors of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) released a critical audit report on September 3, 2025, exposing serious mismanagement of the 0.3% allocation of mining company turnover designated for community development projects.
Established under Article 258 bis of the DRC Mining Code, this fund is intended to mitigate the adverse impacts of mining on local communities.
The report was presented to the Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions, and National Solidarity, Ève Bazaiba, and the Minister of Mines, Louis Kabamba Watum, during a working session led by the First President of the Court of Auditors, Jimmy Munganga Ngwaka.
Conducted according to international standards set by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), the investigation revealed significant irregularities in both fund management and oversight structures. Key findings included:
Poor revenue distribution and non-compliance with OHADA accounting standards.
Absence of project implementation units.
Violations of public procurement rules, including awarding contracts without tenders, illegal advance payments, lack of performance guarantees, and unapproved contracts.
Weak supervision by the monitoring committee, allowing companies to underreport turnover and withhold due funds.
In response, the Court recommended dismissing several presidents of specialized bodies (DOTs) responsible for managing these funds and called for stronger accountability mechanisms.
Minister Ève Bazaiba emphasized the importance of correcting governance failures, stating: “The Court’s report allows us to refocus and ensure management of these funds aligns with principles of good governance and the law. These resources are vital for populations affected by mining.”
Minister of Mines Louis Kabamba Watum praised the audit, highlighting the importance of using mineral revenues responsibly. “Mineral resources are finite. Every ounce mined must benefit local communities. This report guides us to ensure the 0.3% turnover fund fulfills its intended purpose,” he said.
The audit also identified abusive practices by mining companies, including refusal to disclose turnover, fraudulent reporting, and alleged embezzlement, which undermined the system designed to promote social justice in mining areas.
The Court of Auditors has called for urgent reforms, including:
Strengthening management capacities.
Establishing project execution and public procurement units.
Implementing rigorous verification and sanction mechanisms.
This report serves as a wake-up call to the Congolese government, mining companies, and local communities, urging the restoration of oversight over a system whose mismanagement threatens both the credibility of mining governance and the rights of affected populations.
