Mining in Maniema: call on mining companies to pay taxes
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mining Cadastre (CAMI), Crispin Mbindule, addressed a recommendation to mining companies operating in the Maniema region: it is essential that they pay the taxes due to the State. This declaration was made during a meeting with holders of mining titles and rights, civil society actors and artisanal miners in Kindu.
During this meeting, it appeared that many mining title holders are not in compliance with the law in this province. Crispin Mbindule therefore issued a warning against operators failing to respect their tax obligations to the State.
The CAMI PCA also revealed that certain mining operators in Maniema have expired titles, which accentuates their irregular situation with regard to the mining regulations in force.
Crispin Mbindule used the opportunity to encourage local people to take more interest in mining and not leave this sector in the hands of expatriates. He encouraged them to come together to form mining companies and apply for research or mining permits, as well as permits for small mines. According to him, it is crucial that local populations actively participate in the exploitation of mineral resources, because these constitute their collective wealth.
This recommendation from the President of CAMI comes in a context where many mining operators in Maniema do not respect their tax obligations to the State. By ensuring payment of taxes due, these companies not only contribute to the national economy, but also promote transparent and law-abiding mining.
It now remains to be seen whether this recommendation will be followed up and whether Maniema mining companies will comply with the tax requirements of the Congolese state. The active participation of local stakeholders in this key sector of the economy could enable sustainable and equitable development of the region and contribute to improving the living conditions of the populations concerned.