The recent edition of the DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi highlighted the challenges and issues of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As mining industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of mining in the country, the Observatory for Studies and Support for Social and Environmental Responsibility (OEARSE) expressed significant concerns regarding compliance with environmental obligations.
The observation made by the OEARSE is alarming: one year after the publication of a critical report from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), little significant progress has been made in the implementation of the commitments made by mining companies. Only 10% of the 93 companies assessed provided proof of payment of financial security, 5% transmitted Environmental and Social Impact Studies (ESIAs) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and only 4% transmitted summaries of these essential documents. These figures demonstrate a worrying situation regarding the commitment of mining companies to respect the environment and society.
The OEARSE also highlights the absence of numerous summaries of ESIAs, ESMPs and Resettlement Action Plans (PAR) on the websites of mining companies, in violation of the provisions of the mining code in force. This lack of transparency and communication calls into question the compliance and even existence of these crucial documents to ensure responsible mining practices.
Freddy Kasongo, Executive Secretary of OEARSE, strongly condemns this inertia and emphasizes that the silence of the authorities responsible for environmental investigation can be interpreted as tacit complicity with failing companies. The need for greater monitoring and rigorous enforcement of environmental rules is therefore more pressing than ever.
In the current context of the mining week, placed under the theme of “priority to sustainable mining operations and local transformation in the DRC”, it is urgent that government authorities and leaders of the mining industry mobilize to guarantee a responsible and environmentally friendly mining development. The current discussions must go beyond speeches and promises to translate concretely into effective and measurable actions.
The issue of mining in the DRC can no longer be treated lightly. The environmental and socio-economic issues are too important to be neglected. It is time for all stakeholders in the mining sector to truly commit to a sustainable and ethical mining future in the Democratic Republic of Congo.