The Minister of Mines of the DRC, Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi, has taken a radical decision for the environment by suspending the mining activities of the company Boss Mining for a period of three months. This company of the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) company was suspended because of its polluting activities in KAKANDA, in the District of Lubudi, 60 km from the town of LIKASI.
According to a letter addressed to the CEO of Boss Mining, Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi recalled a severe measure: “in application of article 570, paragraph 2 of the Mining Regulations, I am suspending all your mining activities for a period of three months, with possibility of renewing this measure, as long as you have not carried out the recommendations sent to you by the Director-Head of the Mining Environment Protection Service, through his letter referenced 201/DPEM/2023 of May 12, 2023” .
We approve of this measure, considering that the health of people and the environment are in permanent danger from these activities. The suspension of mining activities is justified because Boss Mining operates surface mines producing copper cathodes and cobalt concentrates, but which could also cause harmful side effects on the health of the local population.
We urge provincial authorities to closely monitor this temporary suspension and take strong measures to protect people’s health and environment. Companies that do not respect the standards or the laws in this area must be sanctioned. It is encouraging to note that the government is trying to regulate and supervise mining activities to preserve the environment in the DRC.
Finally, we hope that Boss Mining will understand the extent of its fault and take the necessary measures to comply with the rules laid down. The issue of the environment is crucial and the DRC must protect its population by taking firm action against companies violating the rules in this area.