The export of artisanal gold from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the United Arab Emirates has reached record levels in recent months, arousing the satisfaction of the Congolese authorities. In just six months, 2 tonnes of gold from artisanal mines in the province of South Kivu have been exported legally, marking a significant step forward in the fight against the illicit sale of this precious mineral.
Until now, the DRC has faced a major problem of fraud in the artisanal gold trade, with 99% of exports occurring illicitly. In 2022, only 32 kilos of artisanal gold had been officially exported. This situation had negative consequences on the Congolese economy and allowed neighboring countries, such as Rwanda, to profit from this illegal activity.
However, with the establishment of a joint venture between the DRC and the United Arab Emirates in December 2022, things have started to change. This company, called Primera Gold, has made it its mission to export Congolese artisanal gold in a transparent and legal manner. The results are undeniable, with these 2 tons of gold exported, representing the equivalent of 80 years of export for the province of South Kivu.
To ensure the legality of purchased gold, Primera Gold claims to have control over sources and supply chains, mapping and strictly tracking mine sites. In addition, the banking of actors in the supply chain, such as traders and authorized buyers, contributes to better traceability of transactions.
However, some civil society actors raise questions about the limitation of these mechanisms. The DRC holds only 45% of the share capital of Primera Gold, the rest being held by the private company Primera Group on behalf of the Emirati government. This situation may raise concerns about the fair distribution of profits and the full transparency of operations.
Despite these reservations, it is clear that the legal export of artisanal gold in the DRC is an important step forward. This makes it possible to fight against fraud and to reintegrate financial flows into the Congolese banking circuit. It is also a step towards the certification and promotion of Congolese gold on the international market, which could have positive economic benefits for the country.
The DRC will need to continue to strengthen its transparency mechanisms and ensure equitable participation in joint ventures, in order to maximize benefits for the country and its citizens. The legal export of artisanal gold is an encouraging sign for the Congolese economy and could pave the way for a fairer and more sustainable trade in this precious mineral.