The mining sector in Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, faces several challenges that require concerted action between the government and companies. To address these issues, Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba held a meeting with industry leaders on October 28, 2026. The discussions focused on the future of the sector in this strategic province for the Congolese economy. The minister emphasized the importance of dialogue to find solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
The meeting brought together industrial mining operators and several public officials. The agenda included discussions on the participation of Congolese nationals in the capital of mining companies, coexistence between industrial and artisanal mining, and environmental protection. These issues are crucial for the economic and social development of the region. The minister recalled that the revised Mining Code of 2018 provides for Congolese participation in the capital of mining companies.
One of the key challenges discussed was the participation of Congolese nationals in the capital of mining companies. The minister stressed that this participation is a requirement of the revised Mining Code of 2018. However, the implementation of this measure is pending the finalization of discussions on the draft decree that will specify its modalities of application. The objective is to ensure that the exploitation of national resources benefits Congolese nationals.
Another sensitive issue discussed was artisanal mining and the presence of creuseurs in the province. The minister called on mining companies to participate in finding sustainable solutions. Proposed solutions include the development of artisanal mining zones, technical and financial support for cooperatives, and vocational training. The coexistence between industrial and artisanal mining is a challenge for site security and conflict prevention.
Environmental protection was also on the agenda. The Minister of Environment, Marie Nyange, sensitized mining operators to the respect of environmental norms. This concern adds to the economic and social questions that accompany the exploitation of natural resources in the province. The government, companies, and local communities share responsibility for finding solutions to these challenges.
The meeting was attended by several personalities and structures involved in mining governance, including the Governor of Lualaba, Fifi Masuka Saini, and the President of the interservice commission responsible for cleaning up the mining sector. Representatives of the Chamber of Mines, the Federation of Congolese Enterprises, and state services also participated in the discussions.
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursuing dialogue with industrial operators to achieve concrete commitments, particularly on Congolese participation in mining companies' capital and finding sustainable solutions to artisanal mining challenges. The discussions aimed to find a balance between production imperatives, creuseurs' livelihoods, and operation security.
Key points
- The DR Congo government is seeking to increase Congolese participation in the mining sector.
- Artisanal mining and environmental protection were key issues discussed during the meeting.
- The government aims to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the mining sector in Lualaba.
