Title: Withdrawal of mining titles in the DRC: LICOCO demands an official evaluation and strict compliance with standards
Introduction :
The Congolese Anti-Corruption League (LICOCO) recently demanded the withdrawal of the mining titles granted to the companies Stone Mining Company Sarl, CDMC Sarl, AMUR Sarl and DFSA Mining Congo for non-compliance with the requirements of the Mining Code in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (DRC). In a press release, LICOCO points out that these companies have failed to comply with the legal obligations imposed by the mining law, thus justifying their request for the withdrawal of the titles. This article will look at the reasons for this request and the recommendations of LICOCO.
Non-compliance with legal obligations:
The companies Stone Mining Company Sarl, CDMC Sarl, AMUR Sarl and DFSA Mining Congo are accused by LICOCO of not having respected the provisions of the Mining Code and the mining regulations of the DRC. According to the organization, these companies have neglected obligations such as negotiating with local communities, signing social responsibility specifications, carrying out feasibility studies and building mining infrastructure. LICOCO emphasizes that these shortcomings have a negative impact on the sustainable development of the Kivu region and jeopardize environmental and social standards.
The request for withdrawal of mining titles:
Faced with these infractions, LICOCO officially requests the withdrawal of the mining titles granted to these companies. However, she proposes that this decision be taken after an official assessment of the situation, carried out by a commission set up by the Ministry of Mines. This assessment would make it possible to verify compliance with the contracts and notify the companies concerned of the withdrawal of the mining titles, in order to avoid any future litigation. LICOCO also supports the granting of these titles to other companies that demonstrate technical and financial capacity for mining that respects environmental and social standards.
The importance of respecting environmental and social standards:
LICOCO insists on the fact that the government must be vigilant in granting mining titles and favor companies that commit to respecting environmental and social standards. She stresses that this will contribute to the sustainable development of the Kivu region, which remains one of the poorest and most unstable in the country. In addition, LICOCO calls on civil society organizations to support the government’s initiative in order to obtain the forfeiture of the mining titles of these companies that have violated their commitments.
Conclusion :
The withdrawal of the mining titles granted to the companies Stone Mining Company Sarl, CDMC Sarl, AMUR Sarl and DFSA Mining Congo is claimed by LICOCO because of their non-compliance with the legal obligations imposed by the Mining Code in the DRC. This request highlights the importance of ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards in mining, with the aim of preserving the sustainable development of the region and avoiding any environmental and social harm. It now remains to be seen whether the government will respond favorably to this request and conduct an official assessment to regularize the situation