Hugo Sinza Advocates for Congolese Energy Solutions at DRC Mining Week
Speaking at the DRC Mining Week panel on “Building a Sustainable Energy Plan Using the DRC’s Energy Potential,” Hugo Sinza, Director of External Relations at TFM, emphasized the urgent need for Congolese solutions to the energy crisis.
“Every minute we hesitate to make decisions on energy solutions, we lose millions for the country. Investors need energy. If we don’t produce energy, all these mining projects driving the economy will collapse. While we do import energy, our import capacity is very limited,” he declared.
Sinza called for action over discourse, advocating for the support of private energy developers’ initiatives. “Relying on imports undermines the country’s sovereignty, and this must stop.
I also suggest that dormant funds, such as those from CNSS and mining funds, be used to finance various energy projects,” he explained.
He warned the government about the danger the country faces, noting that mines have a limited lifespan and that energy is critical for their operation.
A lawyer by training, Sinza also spoke on another panel about mining law, regulation, and tax management. He addressed environmental protection, criticizing misinformation that discredits mining companies and pits them against local communities.
TFM has recently received Copper Mark certification for its responsible production practices, making it the first mine in Africa to achieve this.
However, Sinza noted, “We criticize behaviors that ignore the efforts of mining companies. Despite TFM receiving Copper Mark certification, highlighting our commitment to responsible practices, it often goes unrecognized. Pollution is taken seriously, as TFM agents are also victims.”
He also discussed environmental impact studies, emphasizing that they are conducted through consultations with beneficiaries and approved by the Environmental Protection Division of the Ministry of Mines and the Environment.
“We must maintain environmental monitoring, which involves the responsibility of all parties: mining companies, local communities, civil society, and the Congolese state. Only through this collective responsibility will we see progress,” he asserted.
This session, devoted to mining law, regulation, and tax management, featured contributions from Trésor Gauthier Kalonji, Senior Advisor on Taxes and Compliance; Freddy Muamba Kanyindu, Director General of CEEC; Kevin Ngunga, Deputy General Director of FONAREV; and Jean-Pierre Okenda, Country Director of Resources Matters.
