The situation of the mining industry in the DRC has been in the spotlight lately, with the temporary suspension of all mining activities of Boss Mining by the Minister of Mines, Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi, for a period of three months. This decision follows the environmental pollution caused by the company.
According to a statement from the communication unit of the Ministry of Mines, this suspension will be renewed if the company does not take the necessary measures to stop environmental pollution. This decision is in accordance with Article 570, paragraph 2 of the Mining Regulations.
In a letter to the company’s managing director, the mines minister said: “All your mining activities will be suspended for a period of three months, with the possibility of a renewal of this measure, as long as you do not take the necessary measures to put into practice the recommendations transmitted by the Director-Chief of the Mining Environment Protection Service, through his letter referenced 201/DPEM/2023 of May 12, 2023”.
Boss Mining is a mining company located in Kakanda, a former Gécamines mining site in Lubudi district, 60 km from the town of Likasi. The company produces copper cathodes and cobalt concentrates and is one of the core assets of Eurasian Resources Group.
In this very lucrative industry, it is important for companies to take into account environmental concerns and the impacts of their activity in neighboring communities. The decision of the Minister of Mines is proof that the government is ready to take firm action to protect the environment and local communities. Hopefully this will inspire other companies to act responsibly.