The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a radical decision by withdrawing the approval of the mining company Congo Gold, which was responsible for building the new gold refinery in Bukavu, capital of the southern province -Kivu. The announcement, which was made by the DRC’s Minister of Mines, Antoinette Samba, raises questions about the company’s compliance with the Mining Code and social obligations.
According to the Minister of Mines, Congo Gold would not have respected its social obligations, in particular with regard to the development of the book of societal responsibilities. A formal notice was sent to the company in May 2022, giving it six months to comply with the Law. However, after this time, Congo Gold has taken no action to meet its obligations.
Congo Gold Raffinerie (CGR) is a category B processing company which has a factory of almost 1200 m2, capable of processing 200 kg of gold per day and 2 tons per month, with a very high grade. However, with this decision by the government to withdraw the approval, the company now has 30 days to file an appeal with the General Secretariat for Mines.
This decision to withdraw approval from Congo Gold highlights the importance of respecting social obligations and the Mining Code in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is essential that mining companies operate in a transparent and accountable manner, ensuring that they contribute to the social and economic development of the country.
By withdrawing approval from Congo Gold, the government sends a clear message that companies cannot avoid their social obligations. It also shows the willingness of the Congolese authorities to ensure that the country’s mineral resources are exploited responsibly and beneficially for the population.
It will be interesting to follow the evolution of this affair and to see if Congo Gold will lodge an appeal with the General Secretariat for Mines. In the meantime, this decision highlights the importance of strict regulation in the mining sector and the need for companies to meet their commitments to social and environmental responsibility