The gold reserves of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are a valuable and abundant resource in the country. They are estimated to amount to nearly 2,000 tonnes, representing a market value of over US$120.896 billion. However, despite this wealth, the DRC is not among the top 10 gold producers on the continent.
These gold reserves could be a real source of economic development for the DRC. Unfortunately, much of the gold mined in the country escapes the control of the Congolese state. Indeed, each month, more than three tonnes of gold from artisanal mining are not traced by regulators, thus representing an injection of two billion dollars into the Congolese economy.
It should be noted that before the creation of the company Primera Gold in December 2022, which now exports an average of 600 kg of artisanal gold per month, the DRC only controlled 38 kg of artisanal gold each month. month. This new company is therefore a step in the right direction for the control and regulation of gold mining.
As part of the first edition of National Gold Day (WOLO), several recommendations were made in order to improve the legislative framework and make the gold sector more attractive. Indeed, transparency and regulation are essential elements so that the DRC’s gold resources can truly benefit the country’s development.
It is important to emphasize that gold should not only be considered as a source of income, but also as a structuring pillar of the development of the DRC. Initiatives must be put in place so that local communities can also benefit from the economic benefits of gold mining, while ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly exploitation.
In conclusion, the DRC’s gold reserves are an important economic opportunity for the country. However, it is essential to put in place regulatory and transparency measures so that these resources can truly benefit the development of the DRC and its local communities. The Congolese gold sector has enormous potential, which only needs to be exploited in a responsible and sustainable manner.