The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country rich in natural resources. In particular, it has 70% of the world’s known reserves of cobalt, an essential raw material for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones, laptops and electric cars. However, the DRC must face several major challenges to effectively exploit its resources and emerge from its position as the 8th poorest country on the planet.
Cobalt, opportunity or scourge for the DRC?
Although cobalt represents an opportunity for the DRC, the country cannot rely entirely on this raw material. Indeed, the DRC’s economic dependence on cobalt could put it in a precarious situation if the vagaries of the market were to occur. The economic consequences of the suspension of the exploitation of the Mutanda mine, the largest cobalt mine in the world, by the Swiss giant Glencore in 2019, for example, had a very significant impact on the country’s GDP.
Furthermore, the illegal occupation of mines is also a major problem for the DRC. Artisanal miners, estimated at more than 200,000 across the country, illegally extract cobalt from several mines and maintain a parallel cobalt trade where corruption and embezzlement reign. These miners work in terrible conditions and generally do not enjoy decent working conditions. To meet this challenge, the DRC can count on the support of major international mining groups, such as CMOC, to offer decent working conditions, incomes and an environment to employees while encouraging artisanal miners to turn to the system. legal.
The role of mining multinationals
Mining multinationals bring their know-how and contribute to the economic development of often remote regions. They undertake to respect international standards and offer miners decent working conditions. They also take local expectations into account and contribute to their sustainable development. Major groups invest massively in the construction of clinics, maternity wards, but also in programs to fight against communicable diseases (malaria, HIV). They also seek to develop the local economy and livelihoods in order to participate positively in the economic growth of the country.
The DRC is therefore a country with complex economic challenges, with immense natural resources but also many challenges to overcome in order to take advantage of them effectively. Mining multinationals appear as a privileged partner to help the DRC in this process, contributing to sustainable development and providing innovative solutions to help local populations