The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on a mineral rush, and the recent DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi underscored the urgency of finding sustainable solutions alongside this rapid growth. Global consulting firm SRK Consulting, with a presence at the event, highlighted the growing emphasis on responsible mining practices.
“The social license to operate remains a critical subject,” said Vis Reddy, chairman of SRK Consulting South Africa. “Stakeholders are no longer just asking about solutions, they want to see them implemented.” The conference brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, from government officials and mining companies to NGOs and service providers. A key concern was the environmental and social impact of artisanal mining, a long-standing challenge in the DRC.
“The issue of artisanal mining was again at the forefront this year,” said Dominique Sambwa, chairman of SRK Consulting Congo. “The environmental damage and ethical issues around child labor are a serious concern.”
Read the full article on East African Mining News.
