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DRC Mining Week 2025: Empowering communities key to sustainable, secure mining

Despite its vast natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to struggle with the social and environmental challenges brought on by mining activities. This was highlighted during a panel discussion at the 20th edition of DRC Mining Week.

While the sector plays a vital role in economic development, it also contributes to deforestation, pollution, displacement, and insecurity—issues that significantly impact the health, safety, and wellbeing of local communities.

In the panel discussion chaired by Christian Nkongolo, Managing Director of the ELADA Institute, industry leaders and human rights experts Khalil Al-Americani, Chief Executive Officer at Vodacom in DRC; Selina Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Hayes Group International; Kevin Ngunga Makiedi, Deputy Managing Director in charge of Administration and Finance at FONAREV; and Ouma Samake, Representative at OHCHR, discussed how the mining industry can address these challenges by prioritising health, green mining practices, and security.

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Opening the discussion, Samake said mining in the DRC can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it creates jobs and infrastructure; on the other, it contributes to environmental degradation and community unrest. According to Samake, approximately 4,000 kilometres of forest were destroyed between 2001 and 2023, with 400 kilometres lost directly due to military operations. This deforestation not only affects biodiversity but also strips communities of food security, income, and long-term sustainability.

Green innovation

For over two decades, Vodacom Congo has worked closely with communities to promote sustainable development. Al-Americani highlighted several initiatives, including the installation of over 1,000 solar-powered sites that reduce carbon emissions and extend connectivity to rural areas. The company also invests in education, digital literacy, and health initiatives, such as programmes to support victims of sexual violence and empower women through financial services.

Al-Americani stressed the importance of reaching net-zero emissions, acknowledging that while fossil fuels are still used for power, efforts are underway to integrate more renewable energy solutions like solar, hydro, and biomass. “We are pushing both ourselves and our partners to do better,” he said, “but we also need broader support to transition effectively.”

New technology shaping the future

Hayes noted that mining is critical to powering the technologies that shape the future—electric vehicles, AI systems, and data centres all depend on minerals from the DRC. “The reality is that while we pursue green technologies globally, we must also make mining greener locally,” she said.

Hayes emphasised the use of advanced technologies like lasers and AI in exploration and water management but cautioned that these improvements must go together with social responsibility. She advocated for the formalisation of artisanal mining, improved payment systems, and access to health clinics—especially those focused on maternal and childcare. “Healthy women raise healthy children, and that’s essential for long-term community resilience,” she said.

Insecurity and human rights

Makiedi explained how his organisation provides support to victims of conflict-related displacement. “Reparation is not a privilege—it’s a right,” he said, adding that the state has a duty to protect its citizens and, when it fails, must provide compensation and support through educational and peacebuilding programmes.

Similarly, Vahard emphasised that militarised responses to unrest are not a solution. “You can’t address economic despair with barricades,” he warned. Instead, solutions must tackle root causes—lack of education, employment, healthcare, clean water, and basic human dignity. “There is no peace without development, and no development without respect for human rights,” he concluded.

The revised mining code of 2018 was designed to give communities more control and benefits from mining activities. However, Ouma pointed out that real change requires implementation and accountability. He called for mining companies to fully embrace the “right to development”, meaning communities must be involved in decision-making, benefit-sharing, and long-term planning.

Hayes echoed this by saying that when communities are engaged and economically secure, they are less vulnerable to exploitation by armed groups and more inclined to work constructively with mining operators. Education, especially for youth and women, was cited as a critical factor in building sustainable peace.