By George George Idowu
During the 30th edition of the Mining Indaba forum in South Africa, Miguel Kashal Katemb, the Director General of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector, delivered a resounding message emphasizing the importance of sustainable investment in the mining sector.
Katemb extended a welcoming hand to investors, highlighting the significance of partnerships that prioritize sustainable economic growth.
He singled out Ivanhoe Mines, a Canadian mining giant, as a prime example of a “modern investor” at the forefront of sustainable practices.
Expressing optimism, Katemb emphasized that strategic partnerships have the potential to ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s mining wealth, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
This stance is in line with President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitment to fostering job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities within the DRC.
The Regulatory Authority plays a pivotal role as an intermediary between mining investors and local Congolese companies, facilitating market access and resource utilization while promoting inclusive participation in the mining value chain.
Despite the DRC’s immense mineral wealth, valued at $24 trillion, the mining sector has faced numerous challenges, including corruption, illegal exploitation, unsafe artisanal mining practices, and concerns over labor conditions.
The government’s focus on sustainable investment aims to address these issues and unlock the country’s vast economic potential.