The export of gold in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing significant growth during the year 2023. According to a recent report from the Technical Cell of Coordination and Mining Planning of the Ministry of Mines, the DRC has exported 15 tonnes of raw gold in the first six months of the year, generating revenue of approximately US$677.3 million.
The Kibali Gold Company was the main player in these exports, with over 13 tonnes of gold exported, representing approximately US$556.1 million in revenue. However, the MCCR company exported only 15.83 kg of gold, generating an estimated revenue of $847,103.
It is important to highlight that the majority of exported gold comes from the Kibali Gold industrial operation, representing 88% of the total exported volume. Regarding artisanal mining, the DRC exported more than two tons of raw gold, with revenues estimated at $120.3 million. The main regions for artisanal exports are South Kivu, followed by Tanganyika, Kinshasa, Ituri and Tshopo.
This increase in gold exports to the DRC is an important opportunity for the country, both from an economic and development point of view. It contributes to income generation and job creation in the mining sector, while strengthening the DRC’s position on international markets.
However, it is essential to ensure that gold mining is done in a responsible and sustainable manner, taking into account social, environmental and economic aspects. It is essential to put in place rigorous regulations and controls to avoid any illegal or harmful exploitation for communities and the environment.
In conclusion, the growing export of gold in the DRC demonstrates the country’s mining potential. It is essential to maximize the economic benefits of this resource while ensuring responsible and sustainable exploitation. This will allow the DRC to continue to develop and prosper on the international scene.