With an established network of mining stakeholders, this year, like always, DRC Mining Week allowed over 5,000 stakeholders to engage with key mining decision-makers and industry players, enabling investors to reach their prospective partners and clients while keeping them connected.
According to the US Geological Survey, DRC holds more than half of the world’s cobalt reserves amongst other natural resources. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second-largest country in Africa; it is known to be the world’s largest producer of cobalt, which is used in producing batteries for cell phones and other consumer electronics. These contribute to 98 % to exports, 18 % to GDP, 18 % to government revenue and 11% to employment. (2015 DRC EITI Report)
Since January 2021, the country has exported an average of 22,000 – 34,000 tonnes of copper in cathode form, between 14,000 and 28,000 tonnes of copper in the form of concentrates and between 4,500 and 7,400 tonnes of cobalt in the form of hydroxides per week.
The gradual resumption of mining activity in the DRC with the production launch from the Kamoa-Kakula mine should boost the economic growth to rebound to 4.5% in 2022.
The DRC government also launched reforms intending to strengthen governance in the management of natural resources and improve the business climate.
This year, DRC Mining Week welcomed 200 sponsors and exhibitors, over 5,200 visitors during the 3 days, and over 800 delegates and VIPs at the conference. H.E. the Ministry of Mines from the DRC, Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi inaugurated the exhibition and conference with a ‘crème de la crème’ delegation joined by 800 conference participants.
As the only earth sciences consulting firm at the recent DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi, SRK Consulting cited the large turnout and positive mood as a good indication of the country’s mining momentum.
