Glencore’s 6th Annual DRC Mining Conference Highlights ESG and Sustainability Efforts
On October 8, 2024, Glencore held its 6th annual conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing together key stakeholders to address crucial issues in the country’s mining sector.
The event, an essential platform for industrial miners like Glencore, emphasized the promotion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, traceability, and sustainability.
Glencore has been a significant player in the DRC since 2007, contributing substantially to the nation’s economy through its copper and cobalt production.
Its major assets include Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), co-owned with Gécamines (25% stake), and Mutanda Mining (MUMI), where the Congolese government holds a 5% share. In 2023, Glencore contributed nearly USD 1 billion to the DRC’s government through its operations.
The conference featured prominent figures such as H.E. Kizito Pakabomba, DRC’s Minister of Mines, Swiss Ambassador H.E. Chasper Sarott, Gécamines Chairman Guy-Robert Lukama, and Anna Krutikov, Head of Sustainable Development at Glencore International.
Other notable attendees included H.E. Joelle Kona, Vice-President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), and Marie Gabriel Opese, General Director of Standard Bank in the DRC.
Keynote speeches and panel discussions explored the challenges and opportunities in ensuring sustainable growth in the DRC’s mining industry.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC and Chairperson of KCC, highlighted Glencore’s critical role in the global energy transition and the partnerships forged in the DRC.
“These partnerships and the DRC’s role in the energy transition are essential to the country’s continued development,” she said.
Mark Davis, CEO of Glencore Copper Africa, provided updates on the company’s mining operations, including the recent renewal of KCC’s mining permits—an essential milestone for one of the DRC’s largest copper mines.
He noted that this renewal reflects the government’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for international investors.
The conference also included a video message from Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, who emphasized the importance of responsible mining in driving sustainable development and benefiting local communities.
Glencore’s operations in the DRC, certified by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), are moving toward full compliance with The Copper Mark assurance program, a leading ESG framework in the copper value chain.
The company reiterated its commitment to building a sustainable future for the DRC through close collaboration with local authorities, international partners, and surrounding communities.
Davis concluded the event by reaffirming Glencore’s global commitment to responsibly source essential commodities. He expressed confidence that Glencore’s presence in the DRC will continue to be a cornerstone of its global business strategy, supporting the world’s energy transition while delivering long-term benefits to the DRC’s people.
