The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is considered one of the richest mining destinations in the world, hosting 70% of the world’s reserves of cobalt, essential for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries. However, with an economy largely dependent on the mining of rare metals, the DRC remains one of the poorest countries in the world, largely due to the presence of illegal miners who tamper with the trade. To improve this situation, the government has partnered with mining multinationals such as the Chinese group CMOC for the exploitation of these mines, while offering miners decent working conditions, in compliance with international standards.
The DRC is a very rich territory. It holds 53% of Africa’s hydroelectric potential, the second largest rainforest on the planet and abundant natural resources of nickel, chromium, gold, oil, diamonds and copper. However, this natural wealth does not translate into sustained economic growth, as the country relies almost exclusively on the mining of rare metals, to the detriment of the rest of its economy. The DRC is therefore at the mercy of the market and the vagaries of the sector, while being plagued by the illegal extraction of rare metals.
Beyond the precarious working conditions, the presence of illegal miners disrupts the economy and the political stability of the DRC. “Artisanal diggers”, estimated at more than 200,000, illegally extract cobalt from several mines in the country, while exploiting the local population. They thus perpetuate a veritable system which hinders the realization of a formal economy. However, mining multinationals like CMOC provide fair working conditions and look beyond economics to include the welfare of the population. The companies support infrastructure works, children’s education, health care and the livelihoods of local communities, among other things.
In short, the DRC faces enormous economic challenges in the exploitation of rare metals, but it can count on the support of mining multinationals to make up for this deficit and establish a more diversified economy. However, this can only be possible if they work together to provide sustainable and inclusive solutions that benefit all stakeholders in the value chain.