**Empowering Mining Communities in the DRC: An Interview with Alice Mirimo Kabetsi, Coordinator of PABEA-COBALT**
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the mining sector presents economic opportunities but also social challenges. The Project to support the well-being of children and youth involved in cobalt supply chains (PABEA-COBALT) plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable redistribution of national wealth while prioritizing the welfare of mining communities.
Alice Mirimo Kabetsi, the coordinator of this groundbreaking initiative, advocates for inclusive and sustainable development where local communities directly benefit from resources extracted from their land. Emphasizing the diversification of economic activities in mining regions, particularly beyond cobalt to other minerals such as gold, coltan, and copper, the project aims to stimulate local economies, create sustainable jobs, and enhance community resilience against market fluctuations.
PABEA-COBALT, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is committed to transparency and accountability in the mining sector. Through close monitoring by the National Human Rights Commission delegation, the project ensures concrete impacts and contributes to the sustainable development of regions like Haut Katanga and Lualaba.
This initiative symbolizes hope for a more responsible and equitable mining industry in the DRC. By promoting the country’s natural resources and prioritizing the well-being of mining communities, PABEA-COBALT paves the way for a harmonious development trajectory where national prosperity aligns with community welfare.