DRC: Strategic mineral agreements at the heart of the 10th Alternative Mining Indaba

The 10th Alternative Mining Indaba/RDC opened in Lubumbashi on October 28, focusing on how the country’s mineral wealth can benefit its people more directly. Claude Kabemba, director of the Southern Africa Resource Watch, called for assessments of agreements involving the European Union, the Lobito Corridor, China and the United States based on their economic and social impact. He raised questions about the share of mining revenue received by the state, protections for local communities and whether commitments are fulfilled. Kabemba said mining should support local industries, schools, environmental protection and living conditions, while urging neither automatic rejection nor uncritical acceptance of foreign partnerships.