Mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major issue on an economic, social and environmental level. In this context, the mining giant Glencore plays a leading role, contributing significantly to the country’s development and implementing responsible initiatives.
According to the latest information revealed during the 5th Annual Conference of Glencore DRC, the company would have made payments to the Congolese government to the tune of $1.137 billion during the 2022 financial year. These payments are part of a total amount of $9.4 billion paid to governments globally.
As one of the main contributors to the DRC’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Glencore employs nearly 8,700 people and uses nearly 7,650 contractors, mainly from local communities. In addition to its economic contribution, the company also cares about its social commitments, by putting in place specifications estimated at $53 million for the next five years.
One of Glencore’s ambitions is to achieve zero industrial emissions by 2050. As part of the decarbonization of the world, the DRC plays a key role and must encourage concerted and sustainable solutions. However, challenges remain in the governance of the mining sector, particularly with regard to the repatriation of revenues from mining operators.
Glencore’s Annual Conference, focused on responsible mining and sustainable development, provided stakeholders with an opportunity to learn about the progress made in implementing the company’s mission to improve the daily lives of employees , governments, communities and local businesses.
The Congolese Minister of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi, praised Glencore’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the DRC. However, he stressed the need to address the challenges of governance of the mining sector to ensure equitable distribution of revenues.
In a context where the issue of mining and its impacts is at the heart of global concerns, Glencore RDC positions itself as a major player, seeking to reconcile economic development, social responsibility and environmental preservation.