Kolwezi Inaugurates $700,000 Water Management Project to Safeguard Artisanal Miners
To contain and manage wastewater from the Musonoie Mining Company (COMMUS), two sumps were constructed at the Kamilombe artisanal quarry in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, at a total cost of $700,000.
These facilities were inaugurated on August 20, with representatives from the Congolese Government, CMDS, and artisanal miners in attendance.
The project, a partnership between the Chinese mining company COMMUS and the Mining Cooperative for Development and Social (CMDS), was initiated after poorly managed water flow caused fatalities at the Kamilombe site in 2022.
The sumps are designed to improve sanitary conditions, prevent diseases, and protect the environment from adverse effects. Mandela Kipioka, CMDS Director General, emphasized the collective responsibility of environmental preservation for a healthier future.
With the rainy season approaching, these retention basins are crucial for effective water management in the artisanal mining area.
A representative from COMMUS highlighted the importance of this partnership for the community’s benefit, underscoring the need for concrete actions to safeguard the environment and local communities.
The representative of the Minister of Mines commended the companies’ commitment to sustainable development and urged the community to maintain and properly use the basins to prevent future overflows.
Following the inauguration, a site tour of the Kamilombe mining area, known for its integrated ore sales depots and large population of artisanal miners, revealed satisfaction with the project.
Marcel, a CMDS member, expressed appreciation for the partnership with COMMUS, despite the past hardships caused by water overflows that resulted in casualties.
The Kamilombe site remains a vital hub for artisanal mining, focusing on cobalt and copper, two key minerals for the energy transition.
