DRC Mining Firms Forced to Import Power Amid Severe Electricity Shortages
Mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are importing electricity from countries like Kenya and Ethiopia due to severe supply shortages, despite the nation’s vast untapped hydropower potential that could power much of Africa.
The DRC’s mining sector faces a power deficit of between 500MW and 1,000MW, according to the Chamber of Mines. This energy shortage has plagued both industry and households for years, forcing companies to seek alternative power sources to maintain operations.
This week, Gécamines, its subsidiaries, and the national electricity company, SNEL, convened to strategize and find “appropriate solutions” to the structural energy problems hampering the country’s mining sector and economic growth.
Along with low electricity production, frequent power cuts further disrupt mining activities, hindering the sector’s efficiency and expansion.
