Governor Nangaa Calls for Unified Mining Royalties in the DRC
During his recent address on Top Congo radio, Governor Christophe Baseana Nangaa of the Haut-Uélé province passionately called for a unified approach to mining royalties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He advocated for consolidating all mining royalties into a single fund, emphasizing the need for equitable redistribution among all provinces.
Nangaa expressed confidence that adopting this unified strategy could ensure each province receives a minimum of $1 to $2 million USD per month.
Stressing the importance of a comprehensive approach, the provincial leader proposed placing the entire mining royalty amount into a collective fund for fair distribution.
He argued against the current distribution model dictated by the Mining Code, which allocates 50% to Kinshasa, 25% to provinces, 15% to the entity and the ETD (decentralized territorial entity) where mining operations are located, and 10% for future generations.
To reinforce his argument, Governor Nangaa delved into the historical context of the country, pointing out pivotal moments when various resources, such as Hevea from Ecuador, Kilomoto, and Gécamines, played crucial roles in the nation’s economic survival. He underscored the interconnectedness of these resources and their collective contribution to sustaining the nation.
Acknowledging Kibali as the sole mining company in Haut-Uélé for over a decade, Nangaa attributed its presence to strategic investment and fund mobilization capabilities.
Concerned about the monopolization of mining areas without substantial investment, he urged the CAMI to reclaim such spaces, emphasizing strict adherence to the Mining Code.
Governor Nangaa issued a cautionary note regarding potential consequences if the Constitution were to decentralize mining operations.
He expressed apprehension about the transformation of Haut-Uélé and advocated for the implementation of constitutional provisions.
He suggested that withholding 40% of income at the source could be an important initial step towards a more equitable distribution of mining revenues.
