The news article that attracts our attention today concerns the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (EITI-DRC). From September 19 to 21, 2023, an exchange and awareness workshop was organized to discuss the application of the provisions of the Mining Code and the orders concerning the allocation of a minimum of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies in the DRC.
This workshop took place simultaneously in Durba, Goma, Lubumbashi and Kolwezi and brought together experts from the ST ITIE (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative), as well as the Ministry of Mines, Local Administrations, CAMI (Committee of ‘Support for Mines), the CTCPM (Technical Cell for the Coordination of Mining Programs), the FNPSS (National Fund for Social Promotion and Solidarity) and the Mines Division.
The objective of this workshop was to dispel the gray areas and disputes surrounding the question of the 0.3% allocation. Indeed, in accordance with articles 258 bis and 285 of the Mining Code in the DRC, mining companies are required to devote at least 0.3% of their turnover to community development projects.
To implement this legal provision, various regulatory texts have been adopted by the ministers in charge of Mines and Social Affairs. Among them, Interministerial Order No. 00820/CAB/MIN/MINES/01 and No. 003/CAB.MIN/AFF.SOC.A.H.SN, dated December 21, 2021, which approves the Management Procedures Manual for the endowment of 0.3%.
These provisions provide in particular that community needs be included in local development plans, with an emphasis on the construction of basic infrastructure, access to drinking water and energy, job creation, hygiene and sanitation.
However, despite the establishment of specialized bodies responsible for overseeing the execution of these projects in some pilot mining companies, difficulties and challenges persist. Among them, the lack of communication between communities, civil society organizations and specialized bodies, as well as gaps in the understanding of the Procedures Manual by members of these bodies.
It is in this context that the EITI-DRC organized these workshops in several cities to allow all stakeholders to discuss these difficulties, share their experiences and find solutions.
The objectives of these workshops were multiple: to achieve a common understanding of the regulations linked to the 0.3% allocation, to disseminate information on this allocation in a coherent manner and to set up a mechanism for sharing information between companies, administrations and impacted communities.
Participants in these workshops included delegates from impacted communities, representatives of local administrations and technical services of the Ministry of Mines and Social Affairs, representatives of mining companies, members of civil society and EITI experts. DRC.
These three days of exchanges and discussions made it possible to advance the understanding and implementation of the 0.3% allocation, by promoting better collaboration between the different parties involved.
It now remains to put into practice the knowledge and recommendations resulting from these workshops, so that the 0.3% allocation truly contributes to the development of communities impacted by the mining industry in the DRC.