TFM Showcases Leadership in Responsible Mining and Community Development at Mining Indaba
On the third day of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, John Woto, Deputy General Manager of Tenke Fungurume Mining SA (TFM SA), outlined the company’s outstanding achievements in responsible mining, community development, and economic contributions.
As one of Africa’s leading copper and cobalt producers, TFM continues to raise industry standards in sustainability and social impact.
In 2024, TFM became the first African company to earn The Copper Mark certification, a globally recognized assurance standard that promotes responsible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc value chains. This certification underscores TFM’s commitment to sustainable and ethical mining operations.
Even before the DRC Mining Code mandated that 0.3% of mining revenue be allocated to local communities, TFM had already implemented the DOT TFM program to fund essential projects that improve living conditions, healthcare, and infrastructure, including:
✅ Water Supply: Construction of a 200m³ water tower with a 207m deep well connected to the local network
✅ Healthcare Initiatives: Distribution of 120,000 second-generation mosquito nets to combat malaria and training for medical staff in the Fungurume health zone
✅ Infrastructure Development: Construction of 4.3 km of paved roads in Fungurume
✅ Education & Healthcare Facilities: Establishment of a Higher Institute of Applied Techniques and a 200-bed general reference hospital
TFM works closely with the Fungurume commune and provincial mining authorities to ensure that these funds directly benefit local communities.
At the 2024 International Customs Day in Kinshasa, the World Customs Organization awarded TFM a Certificate of Merit for being the highest tax contributor in the DRC in 2023.
Through its significant tax payments and other contributions, TFM has played a major role in boosting the country’s economy.
With nearly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, TFM prioritizes local employment and workforce development. Looking ahead, the company is expanding its operations with the construction of a 5th processing plant in 2025, adding a 40,000-tonne-per-day production capacity.
“TFM currently operates plants with capacities of 10,000, 11,000, 15,000, and 30,000 tonnes per day. With the new plant, our production will increase even further this year,” stated John Woto.
Through its sustainability efforts, economic impact, and community-driven initiatives, Tenke Fungurume Mining continues to set the benchmark for responsible and transformative mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
