Workshops on the application of the Mining Code in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were recently organized by the Initiative for the Transparency of Extractive Industries in the DRC (ITIE-DRC). These workshops, which took place in different cities across the country, allowed discussions and awareness-raising on the allocation of a minimum of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies in the DRC.
The objective of these workshops was to clarify the provisions of the Mining Code and the orders relating to this financial allocation, which is the subject of debate and differences of opinion. Experts from the EITI-DRC and the Ministry of Mines, accompanied by other players in the sector, led these workshops financed by the ENCORE project of the World Bank via COREF.
The DRC Mining Code provides that mining companies must allocate at least 0.3% of their turnover to community development projects. Regulatory texts have been put in place to specify the terms of application of this allocation, in particular the Interministerial Order approving the Manual of procedures for managing the allocation of a minimum of 0.3% of turnover.
These community development projects aim to meet the needs of local populations, such as the construction of basic infrastructure, access to drinking water and electricity, job creation and improvement of hygiene and sanitation.
However, the implementation of this allocation encountered several challenges and difficulties. The specialized organizations responsible for supervising these projects face communication gaps with communities and other stakeholders, as well as a lack of support from the government. A better understanding of the 0.3% allocation management procedures manual is necessary, as well as awareness sessions on this subject.
The workshops organized by the EITI-DRC therefore made it possible to discuss these issues, share experiences and resolve certain gray areas. The objective was to harmonize the understanding of the regulations, to consistently disseminate information on the allocation of 0.3% of turnover and to set up a mechanism for sharing information between companies, administrations and impacted communities.
These workshops brought together delegates from impacted communities, representatives of local administrations and technical services, delegates from mining companies, members of civil society and experts from EITI-DRC.
In conclusion, these workshops on the application of the Mining Code in the DRC made it possible to address issues related to the allocation of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies. They promoted discussions and awareness around this complex issue, with the aim of improving the transparency and effectiveness of this allocation in favor of community development in the mining sector of the DRC.