DRC Mining WeekConference Agenda

Today, more than ever, the DRC must invest its efforts in building a reliable and prosperous energy sector that is profitable for all by developing  efficient mechanisms to unlock the energy resources. Therefore, this session will discuss how the public and private sectors could leverage  the current demand for critical minerals to boost energy investments opportunities, partnership developments and address current projects in considering the energy transition

Chair: Bertrand Montembault, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills, France 

Bongiwe Mabusela, Director, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa 

Applying the right methodology and responding positively to the requested indicators 

Participants:
1. Franklin Edochie, Head of Metals & Mining, AFC, Nigeria
2. Annebel Oosthuizen, Managing Director, Kamoa, Copper SA, DRC

Stigmatization of the mining sector and the tax policies surrounding it

In this session, the advisory board members of DRC Mining Week will deliberate and share their opinions on the stigmatisation of the mining  sector. Experts will also address challenges related to the increase of taxes in the mining sector and provide comprehensive guidelines to improve  collaboration with mining operators during a time which the DRC mining industry strives for global positioning as a mineral and metal leader

Chair: Jean-Claude Tshipama, Managing Director, Tshipama Academy, ZYMPALA Inc, DRC

The DRC is known as Africa’s largest producer of copper and the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a strategic metal used in battery production.

With its exceptional natural resources, hydroelectric potential, vast arable land and its biodiversity, the DRC remains a potentially attractive market for foreign companies. However, stakeholders still do not have a clear understanding of where the mining industry is going. In this session, experts will share an overview of a potential roadmap, suggesting a compass with key directions.

Chair: Eugenie Yuma, Partner and Director, Cabinet MKP et Associés, DRC 

Integration of the new generation in the mining sector

YEP, is DRC Mining Week’s new initiative to empower and encourage young entrepreneurs and students who are interested in the mining ecosystem to become more involved in mining conversations and to be the game changers of tomorrow. In this session, young talents will share their opinions on the system of integrating young entrepreneurs into the mining environment and the role that universities should play in collaborating with mining companies. The session will also highlight the successes of some of these young talents who stand out and are ready to join the mining sector and its value chain. 

Chair: Nathalie Tshituka, Chief Executive Officer, The Queen, DRC 

As global demand for critical minerals rises, there is growing recognition of the importance of incorporating responsible sourcing practices throughout the mining supply chain. As one of the leading producers of critical minerals essential for the energy transition, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can facilitate the sustainable and credible transformation of its national mining sector by aligning to global assurance frameworks such as the Copper Mark. These frameworks offer the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Government, mining companies and financial institutions to make the DRC a mining model for Africa. 

Chair: Jean-Claude Tshipama, Managing Director, Tshipama Academy, ZYMPALA Inc, DRC 

This session will address challenges faced by workers in the sector and propose solutions as a stimulus to boost performance and productivity at a time that the global markets predict that the green energy transition may depend on a bigger supply of minerals and metals. 

Chair: Jacques Mukonga, Lawyer, Cabinet Mukonga & Associés, DRC

An overview and update of project development in the country and the region

Chair: Thierry Naweji, Executive Chairmain, Chamber of Commerce, DRC-SA 

Chair: Jacques Mukonga, Lawyer, Cabinet Mukonga & Associés, DRC 

Despite its wealth from its natural resources, the country has not yet succeeded in resolving issues related to the socio-environmental deterioration and insecurities, impacting the health and safety and the livelihood of local communities. This session will address challenges associated to the mining ecosystem while promoting environmentally friendly practices within the mining industry. By inviting the community to understand the importance of health, green mining and security. The session is also a call to action to mining companies for their CSR initiatives and to collaborate with their direct communities. 

Chair: Christian Nkongolo, Managing Director, ELADA Institute, DRC  

Governance challenges, geopolitical considerations and national security issues pose considerable obstacles to managing critical raw mineral 

supply chain, posing a stumbling block for some potential investors and private companies. This session will discuss the need to create innovative mechanisms that address wide-ranging risks surrounding critical raw material supply chains in the DRC and the region and provide management guidelines to the public and private sectors. Experts in this session will also examine how the demand for minerals shapes international partnerships, influences local governance and affects the DRC’s mining industry landscape. 

Chair: Guy Muswil, Executive, HSE & Sustainability, Kamoa Copper SA, DRC 

This session will examine the complex dynamics of the global metals market and the price volatility that affect the DRC’s mining industry.

Participants will explore the factors behind price fluctuations and their impact on the local market. The discussion will also focus on the economic stability and positioning of the DRC in the global metals market, while exploring risk management strategies for increased resilience and competitiveness. 

Chair: Susannah McLaren, Head of Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability, Cobalt Institute, United Kingdom

17:00 Prof. Dieudonné-Louis Tambwe, Coordinator, CTCPM, Ministry of Mines, DRC*

17:05 David Ashdown, PDG, Groupe VUKA, Afrique du Sud