This question has been debated during the first panel of the second day of DRC Mining Week, this Thursday, June 20, 2019 at the hotel Karavia Lubumbashi. This is an important topic with regard to all the questions and points of disagreement between the mining operators and the Congolese government.

Five panelists to discuss this hot topic.

Simon Tula Waku, president of the Chamber of Mines within the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) believes that the government has lost a year without being able to popularize the Mining Code promulgated. Because, there are still many areas of shadows to enlighten both public opinion and mining.

« The time has come to raise awareness about the impact of this new Mining Code on mining activities; prospects for new investors; the aspects to be taken into account and those to be abandoned. Also, debates must be conducted around certain issues related to accounting, taxation, VAT refund, the environment, subcontracting », he suggested.

For her part, Mamie Ndaya, judicial administrator of the High Court reminds that this new Mining Code focuses on the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on local communities. Unfortunately, these communities are ignorant of their rights due to lack of information.

It recommended that the authorities ensure the application of legal and regulatory texts by mining companies.

Taking another angle, Louis Watum, Ivanhoe’s Director of Operations, said that the riparian communities have become too demanding, while this Mining Code is a win-win for both parties (state and operator).

He believes that it would first be appropriate to create these riches before redistributing them to local communities. Compared to subcontracting, Louis Watum is of the opinion that Congolese are showing a lack of quality research in the services offered. Efforts should be made in this area.

For his part, Dieudonné Louis Tambwe, Deputy Technical Director of CTCPM, asked about the qualified people involved in the Mining Code and the management of the mine area.

Finally, Ahmed Kalej Nkand, General Manager of the Subcontracting Regulatory Authority, stressed the importance of the Law on Subcontracting, which simply wants to promote local content and boost the Congolese middle class.

Nadine FULA