Glencore Strengthens Its Commitment to Responsible Mining and Social Impact in the DRC
Glencore DRC Reports Strong 2024 Performance with Industrial Recovery, $53 Million in Social Investments, and Renewed Energy Partnerships
The year 2024 was a defining one for Glencore in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Marked by the resumption of industrial operations, major investments, and expanded social initiatives, the company strengthened its position as a global leader in responsible and sustainable mining.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Glencore Conference on November 4, 2025, themed “Ensuring the Future of Global Standards with Social Impact,” Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC and Chair of the Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) Board, described 2024 as “a year of recovery and consolidation.”
Industrial Growth and Strategic Investments
Glencore successfully restarted operations at Mutanda Mining (Mumi) in 2024, following several years of maintenance. The ramp-up to full production demonstrates the group’s resilience and operational excellence, reaffirming Mutanda’s strategic role in global copper and cobalt supply chains—metals critical to the global energy transition.
At Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), Glencore invested over US$33 million in a new high-conventional-energy processing (High GAP) circuit to boost production capacity and enhance energy efficiency.
Despite significant progress, Kaninda acknowledged ongoing challenges such as illegal incursions into mining sites and energy instability, which disrupted operations. In response, Glencore intensified collaboration with Congolese authorities to improve energy security and grid reliability.
The establishment of a one-stop administrative center at KCC and Mumi has streamlined coordination with government agencies and reduced customs clearance times, improving operational efficiency.
Stronger Partnership with the Congolese State
Glencore praised the Congolese government’s initiatives to stabilize the cobalt market through export quotas and regulatory reforms. The company worked closely with key ministries to ensure the smooth implementation of these measures, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and transparent development in the DRC.
Community Development and Social Responsibility
In 2024, Glencore deepened its community impact through programs in health, education, and women’s empowerment.
The Pro-HAC program, in partnership with Equity Bank, strengthened the economic autonomy of rural communities by supporting agricultural value chains and financial inclusion.
In its fight against child labor, Glencore sponsored educational summer camps for thousands of children, providing access to schooling, nutrition, and life skills training.
Through the Fair Cobalt Alliance, the company also advanced the formalization of responsible artisanal mining, notably at the Kamilombe site, where training, personal protective equipment, and waste management systems have improved safety and sustainability.
Glencore’s performance in ethics and governance was internationally recognized in 2024, with KCC and Mumi achieving the highest compliance level under the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) Code of Conduct.
Empowering Local Economies
In line with the Congolese Mining Code, Glencore subsidiaries invested US$53 million in social development programs, funding schools, health centers, and initiatives for women and youth empowerment.
Through its Enterprise Development Programme (EDP), the company injected US$83 million into Congolese SMEs, offering training, coaching, and technical support. These efforts have helped nurture a new generation of local entrepreneurs, driving job creation and economic diversification.
Today, over 97% of Glencore’s workforce in the DRC is Congolese, reflecting its commitment to local capacity building and skills transfer.
Looking Ahead
Glencore’s 2024 performance highlights a year of industrial renewal, social investment, and compliance with international best practices.
In 2025, the group aims to deepen its partnership with the Congolese government, strengthen site security, and expand community development initiatives.
“Our 2024 results reflect a strong conviction: progress is built together,” concluded Marie-Chantal Kaninda, reaffirming Glencore’s dedication to shared growth and sustainable mining in the DRC.
