The subcontracting landscape in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is receiving particular attention. Recently, a delegation of subcontractors, led by the Director General of the Lualaba Province Subcontractor Regulatory Agency (ARSP), Miguel Kashal, paid a visit to the COMMUS company facilities SAS, a Chinese-owned mining company.
During this visit, worrying findings were made regarding compliance with legislation on subcontracting. It was noted that important contracts are not accessible to Congolese in the COMMUS database. Subcontractors in the region have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with this situation and highlighted the difficulties encountered in providing services to the company.
Miguel Kashal Katemb, Director General of ARSP, promised to closely monitor the situation of COMMUS SAS. He stressed the importance of enforcing the law on subcontracting in order to guarantee the economic independence of the country, in accordance with the vision of the Head of State.
It should be noted that COMMUS SAS is not the only company to be subject to controls by the ARSP. Other large mining companies established in the Lualaba region, such as Tenke Fungurume Mining, Kamoa and KCC, were also subject to these inspections in order to verify compliance with the subcontracting rules in force in the DRC.
This desire to strengthen transparency and fairness in the field of subcontracting is an important step in promoting the economic and social development of the country. By giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to actively participate in the mining industry, the DRC will be able to create new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
ARSP delegation’s visit to COMMUS SAS highlights the challenges faced by subcontracting contractors in the DRC and highlights the importance of enforcing the law on subcontracting to ensure equitable distribution of economic opportunities . Hopefully these checks and the recommendations issued will contribute to improving the situation and promoting a truly emerging middle class in the country.