Minister of Portfolio Visits Kamoa Copper to Assess Performance and Strengthen State Collaboration
From September 21 to 22, Kamoa Copper hosted a visit from the Congolese Minister of Portfolio, His Excellency Jean-Lucien Bussa.
The visit aimed to evaluate Kamoa Copper’s performance, in which the State of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds a 20% stake, and to outline the minister’s strategy for enhancing public company performance through collaboration.
“I am here as the Minister of Portfolio, representing the shareholder state, to visit a mixed economy mining company where the State, the Congolese economy, and the people all have vested interests.
This company has attracted approximately $7.2 billion in foreign direct investment into the country,” said the Minister.
The two-day visit provided a comprehensive view of Kamoa Copper’s contributions to both the local and national economy, as well as its efforts in sustainable community development.
The tour began with a showcase of Kamoa’s achievements in sustainable development, including the ECD Mwilu preschool and community-driven businesses Chatuta and Tujenge.
The minister also visited the Kamoa Centre of Excellence and the Kamoa Hospital, demonstrating the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
Praising Kamoa Copper’s community engagement, the Minister stated, “The communities in which Kamoa operates are well-cared for, with an inclusive approach that benefits everyone. I commend the company’s leaders and workers for this policy that creates opportunities for all.”
The visit also highlighted Kamoa’s operational capabilities, with stops at the Kansoko training center, the Kakula underground mine, the smelter construction site, and the Tshimbuji fish farm.
These stops provided insight into Kamoa’s advanced mining operations and their role in driving local development and strengthening the national economy. Kamoa Copper is a leader in copper production in the DRC and ranks as the third-largest globally.
During the visit, the Minister advocated for a commercial preference policy, urging Kamoa Copper to prioritize Congolese companies in contract awards, particularly those in the government’s portfolio.
“Kamoa has initiated this process of implementing the government’s policy of reciprocal commercial preference, and that is why I am pleased with this visit,” the Minister added.
He also lauded Kamoa Copper’s employment policies, noting that the company employs over 9,500 workers, the majority of whom are Congolese, with significant inclusion of women. “This is important,” he remarked.
Kamoa Copper’s management team, including Marna Cloete, President of Ivanhoe Mines, and Olivier Binyingo, Executive Vice President of Ivanhoe Mines DRC, expressed their gratitude for the Minister’s visit.
Binyingo emphasized the need for continued government support, particularly to address electricity challenges, which significantly impact both the company and the DRC’s broader economic performance.
