The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country incredibly rich in natural resources, yet is considered the eighth poorest country in the world. This situation is often attributed to the inefficient exploitation of its resources, mainly centered on the extraction of rare metals such as nickel and cobalt. However, this concentration on a single resource exposes the country to the vagaries of the market and the illegal occupation of the mines by artisanal diggers.
To remedy this situation, Kinshasa has sought to join forces with large mining multinationals such as the Chinese group CMOC to provide their know-how, but also to contribute to regional economic development and provide decent working conditions in compliance with international standards.
In addition to their mining expertise, multinational mining companies also provide a safer working environment for miners. They obey the rules of international law while guaranteeing a number of employee rights, such as fair wages and holidays, anti-discrimination and gender equality. These multinationals also contribute to local development programs, such as the construction of clinics, maternities and disease control programs.
It is important to note that the experience of these multinational mining companies should not replace that of local employees. Liaison staff provide seamless communication between businesses and local employees to ensure that their needs and aspirations are met equitably.
Ultimately, investing in multinational mining companies for mineral exploration could benefit the DRC, providing an opportunity to strengthen the economy and regional development while promoting sustainable and ethical mining practices. It could also be an opportunity to end the illegal occupation of mines and bring greater formality to artisanal mines. It’s a tough undertaking, but one that could be achieved by teaming up with international partners with the expertise and resources to turn the country’s geological ineptitude into a stable and prosperous economic powerhouse.