The mining site of Mulondo, located in the Mutshatsha territory of Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has reopened after a year-long interruption. More than 25,000 artisanal miners have resumed their activities thanks to an agreement between the government and PAJECLEM, which allowed the coopérative COMIKAN to use two mining squares. The agreement was reached under the supervision of Louis Watum Kabamba, the national Minister of Mines.
The resumption of mining activities marks a significant step in resolving a dispute that pitted industrial exploitation against the economic concerns of local artisanal miners. For the miners, the agreement means they can regain their livelihoods after months of uncertainty. The site had been closed since November 2025, when a deadly collapse killed several artisanal miners, raising concerns about safety and the coexistence of industrial and artisanal mining.
Minister Watum Kabamba emphasized that the resumption of mining activities should not only be measured by the return of miners to the site but also by their ability to maintain a climate of trust. He highlighted the importance of dialogue, discipline, responsibility, and respect for commitments to ensure a sustainable coexistence between artisanal miners and industrial operators.
The agreement was the result of intense negotiations between the parties involved, including the Cadastre minier (CAMI), the Service d'assistance et d'encadrement de l'exploitation minière artisanale et à petite échelle (SAEMAPE), and the Cabinet of the Minister. The compromise allows PAJECLEM to continue its industrial activities on the rest of the site while providing artisanal miners with a clearly defined workspace.
The resumption of mining activities affects a large community, with over 25,000 artisanal miners regaining access to work and, consequently, to the income necessary to support their families and daily needs. However, the solution also presents a significant challenge: maintaining a peaceful and sustainable coexistence between artisanal miners and the mining company.
The Minister of Mines recognizes that the situation requires a delicate balance between the need to sanitize the mining sector and the need to preserve the interests of communities that depend on its resources. The goal is to reconcile order in the mines with social justice, in line with the vision of President Félix Tshisekedi and the policies of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa.
Key points
- The agreement allows for the coexistence of artisanal and industrial mining activities on the Mulondo site.
- Over 25,000 artisanal miners have resumed work after a year-long shutdown.
- The resumption of mining activities aims to balance economic and social concerns with environmental and safety considerations.
