The article you are about to read informs you about current events concerning the artisanal mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC recently reacted to threats of banishment of its cobalt on the international market, stressing that the formalization of the sector is done according to the standards of the Mining Code and in respect of human rights and corporate social responsibility. .
It is important to note that the share of the artisanal mining sector in mining in the DRC remains minimal, in particular for copper-cobalt metals. A study is underway to determine the true contribution of craftsmanship to annual cobalt production. The DRC is implementing several projects aimed at improving the traceability of minerals and securing the mining sector, such as the Responsible Minerals Supply Chain Initiative (RMI) and the General Cobalt Company.
At the same time, the DRC is working with its partners to find alternatives to child labor in artisanal mines, such as vocational training programs and agricultural projects. Efforts are also being made to make artisanal mining areas viable and to carry out geophysical and geochemical prospecting projects.
The close collaboration between the DRC and its partners also allows the participation of young Congolese in the “International visitor leadership program”, which offers them the opportunity to discover the American mining sector. At the same time, discussion meetings are organized with technical and financial partners in order to coordinate initiatives to formalize the sector.
In summary, the DRC is committed to formalizing and improving the artisanal mining sector to ensure the traceability of minerals and meet standards for social and environmental responsibility. Efforts are being made to find solutions to problems related to child labor and to develop sustainable alternatives