** Mining and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a speech of hope or a complex reality? **
On May 15, 2025, in Kolwezi, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Judith Suminwa, pronounced resolved words about mining, insisting that this activity, when it takes place in a peaceful framework, can contribute to the economic development of the country. This presentation took place during a press briefing marking the Katanga Business Meeting economic forum, revealing the inseparable ties between the exploitation of resources and the peace climate in the region, mainly in Lualaba.
This declaration raises several questions both on the nature of mining in the DRC and the real challenges that the country faces. To begin with, what is the present state of conflicts linked to natural resources in the country, and what are the direct consequences on economic development?
### A delicate mining context
The Prime Minister spoke of a war “waged by Rwanda”, once again pointing to the tense relations that exist between the two nations and their impact on security. This assertion, in addition to bringing back into light historical regional tensions, underlines a complex reality: the DRC is one of the countries richest in natural resources, but remains one of the most affected by war and political instability. The perception that conflicts are often exacerbated by foreign lust for its mineral riches deserves to be analyzed with rigor.
Conflicts for the exploitation of resources have serious consequences on the living conditions of local populations, often left in oblivion. Violence, insecurity and impunity create an environment where mining becomes both a source of income and a cause of suffering.
### Towards sustainable development?
Judith Suminwa also addressed the strategic question of signing a mining contract with the United States, stressing that the DRC is looking for a “win-win partnership”. The idea of building balanced economic relations is laudable, but it leads to questioning the criteria of this partnership. How to guarantee that the profits drawn do not only promote multinationals, but really contribute to local development and the empowerment of communities?
The government’s program of action targeted for development, as it mentions, seems to be slowed down by the current security context. The question then arises: what strategies does the government set up to reduce the impact of conflicts on economic development?
### The importance of the local organization
The organization of artisanal mining operators in cooperatives, a proposal from the Prime Minister, represents an important dimension of the reform of the mining sector. Indeed, the artisanal mining sector is often informal and disorganized, which leads to precarious working conditions and conflicts of interest with mining companies. The establishment of cooperatives could certainly strengthen the position of small operators, but it is still necessary that the supervisory policies are adapted and effective.
The initiation of technical and professional training for young people, as mentioned by Suminwa, could also appease tensions between artisanal operators and large companies. This calls for in -depth reflection on how to bring a formal informal industry to the formal and how to finance this transition in a sustainable way. Cooperatives could become key players in this dynamic, but their success would require a strong political will and adequate financial means.
### A call to unity?
By concluding his press briefing, Judith Suminwa called for national unity to overcome current challenges. In times of crisis, unity can be a powerful lever. But there is a question of importance: how can this unity be built in a country where millions of Congolese suffer daily from the effects of war and the exploitation of resources? What voices are heard in this process?
### Conclusion
In the context rich in nuances presented by the mining in the DRC, the Prime Minister’s statements offer an overview of hope, but they also require a critical examination. The transformation of mining wealth into sustainable development is a challenge that requires not only constructive debates but also concrete actions, balancing the exploitation of resources with the well-being of local populations.
The situation in the DRC, marked by historical rivalries and struggles for resources, requires an inclusive approach, taking into account marginalized voices. By encouraging dialogue, the government could explore innovative tracks to reconcile mining with human development. Thus, the path to peace and development could be traced in a more sustainable and equitable way.