News in the DRC: A workshop to raise awareness on the application of the Mining Code
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ITIE-DRC) recently organized a discussion and awareness workshop on the application of the provisions of the Mining Code and the orders relating to the allocation of 0.3 Minimum % of turnover of mining companies in the DRC.
This workshop, which took place simultaneously in several cities across the country, aimed to dispel the gray areas surrounding this issue. Experts from the EITI-DRC, as well as those from the Ministry of Mines and other relevant organizations, led these exchange sessions which took place from September 19 to 21, 2023. Funding for this workshop was provided by the ENCORE project of the World Bank via COREF.
The Mining Code in the DRC provides for a minimum allocation of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies to contribute to community development projects. To ensure the application of this provision, regulatory texts have been adopted, including Interministerial Order No. 00820/CAB/MIN/MINES/01 and No. 003/CAB.MIN/AFF.SOC.A.H.SN of 21/ 12/2021, which approves the Management Procedures Manual for this grant.
Community needs identified in local development plans include the construction of basic infrastructure, access to drinking water and electricity, job and business creation, as well as hygiene and sanitation. sanitation.
Despite the efforts made by the government, certain difficulties persist in the implementation of this allocation. Among these, we can cite the lack of communication between communities, civil society organizations and specialized bodies responsible for managing this allocation. In addition, there are gaps in the understanding of the procedures for managing the 0.3% allocation by some members of these organizations, which requires more awareness and training.
It is in this context that the EITI-DRC organized these exchange and awareness workshops, in order to allow all stakeholders to share their experiences, remove gray areas and harmonize their understanding of the regulations applicable to this allocation.
The main objective of these workshops was to achieve the same level of understanding of the regulations on the 0.3% allocation, to consistently disseminate information relating to this allocation and to set up a mechanism for sharing information. information between businesses, administrations and impacted communities.
Delegates from impacted communities, representatives of mining companies, members of specialized organizations, as well as EITI-DRC experts all participated in these workshops, which allowed for fruitful and constructive exchanges..
Ultimately, this workshop organized by the EITI-DRC demonstrates the Congolese government’s desire to guarantee transparency and good management of the country’s mineral resources. The implementation of the 0.3% allocation constitutes a major challenge for the sustainable development of communities impacted by mining activity in the DRC.