The cassiterite export sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to play a crucial role in the country’s economy. According to a recent report from the Technical Cell for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM), cassiterite exports generated revenue of around US$165.8 million during the first six months of the current year. .
A total of 16,777.34 tonnes of cassiterite were exported from the DRC to international markets during this period. Industrial production accounted for more than $118 million in revenue, with an exported quantity of 11,211.66 tons.
Exports of craft production generated $47.8 million, with an exported quantity of 5,565.69 tonnes.
The DRC recorded a total production of 15,832.95 tonnes of cassiterite during this period. Industrial production was dominated by Alphamines, with production of 11,014.62 tonnes, accounting for 99% of the country’s industrial production. SAKIMA contributed with a production of 119.71 tonnes, or 1% of national production.
The artisanal production of cassiterite reached a total of 4,698.63 tonnes. The provinces of Haut-Lomami and Maniema were the main regions of artisanal production, with volumes of 1,802.45 tonnes and 1,384.58 tonnes respectively. Tanganyika, South Kivu and North Kivu also contributed to artisanal production, with volumes of 759.65 tonnes, 555.86 tonnes and 196.09 tonnes respectively.
It is important to note that cassiterite production in the DRC is mainly dominated by industrial production, which represents 70% of total production, while artisanal production represents 30%.
These figures demonstrate the importance of cassiterite in the Congolese economy and highlight the existence of different players, both at the industrial and artisanal level, in the mining sector. It is essential that the Congolese authorities continue to promote responsible mining in order to maximize economic benefits for the country and guarantee adequate preservation of the environment.
Cassiterite is a valuable resource that is used in many industries, including electronics and construction. As a major export product of the DRC, it is crucial to ensure that cassiterite mining is done in a transparent, sustainable and ethical manner, in order to maximize socio-economic benefits for the country and promote a positive image on the international scene.
The DRC has enormous potential in terms of mineral resources, and it is essential to exploit these resources responsibly and equitably in order to contribute to the economic and social development of the country.