Artisanal Mining And Chinese Companies In The DRC

[Dave Evans]

On top of forced evictions and serious human rights abuses by Chinese companies operating in the DRC, up to 2000 people per year die in Chinese owned artisanal mines every year.

Forced evictions at industrial cobalt and copper mines in the DRC

Expansion of mines has led to grievous human rights abuses.

www.amnesty.org

Quantifying the life-cycle health impacts of a cobalt-containing lithium-ion battery - The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment

Purpose Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been criticized for contributing to negative social impacts along their life cycles, especially child labor and harsh working conditions during cobalt extraction. This study focuses on human health impacts — arguably the most fundamental of all social...

link.springer.com

Congo's Cobalt Controversy

Cobalt, a key component in the production of lithium-ion batteries that power phones, computers, and electric vehicles, has soared in both demand and price in recent years. Lithium-ion batte

globaledge.msu.edu

 

[Dave Evans]

 

[Dave Evans]

Cobalt is extremely toxic and dangerous to humans health but it doesn’t seem to bother Chinese artisanal mining companies who pay peanuts to DRC locals to work in their cobalt and copper mines

 

[Dave Evans]

It’s estimated that more 40,000 children work in cobalt mines in southern Katanga in the DRC

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-002207_EN.html#:~:text=Despite%20the%20Commission's%20zero%E2%80%91tolerance,very%20little%20money%5B2%5D.

 

[Dave Evans]

Is cobalt toxic in the Congo?

Cobalt is toxic to touch and breathe — and there are hundreds of thousands of poor Congolese people touching and breathing it day in and day out. Young mothers with babies strapped to their backs, all breathing in this toxic cobalt dust.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/02/01/1152893248/red-cobalt-congo-drc-mining-siddharth-kara#:~:text=What's%20more%2C%20he%20says%2C%20%22,in%20this%20toxic%20cobalt%20dust.%22

 

[Dave Evans]

congo cobalt mines slavery - Google Search

www.google.com.au

 

[Dave Evans]

Artisanal cobalt mining swallowing city in Democratic Republic of the Congo, satellite imagery shows

Satellite imagery provided by Planet Labs shows the dramatic growth of copper and cobalt mines in and around the city of Kolwezi, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

abcnews.go.com

 

[Dave Evans]

Chinese companies seized ownership of 15 of the country's 19 primary industrial copper-cobalt mining concessions. They dominate mining excavation on the ground, and not just that, they dominate the chain all the way through to the battery level.
3 Oct 2023

Chinese Mining ‘Wrecking Lives’ in DRC - Africa Defense Forum

ADF STAFF The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is home to some of the world’s most sought-after minerals. Four-fifths of the world’s cobalt, a critical component in batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic devices, is in the DRC, along with more than 70% of global production. The...

adf-magazine.com

 

[Dave Evans]

China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and artisanal cobalt mining from 2000 through 2020​

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2212037120

 

[Dave Evans]

08/08/2023

Chinese Mines In DRC, Zimbabwe Accused Of Violating Human Rights

In reality, Chinese companies oversee the operation of artisanal mines and ship the products out of the country through Chinese companies in Zambia, denying the DRC revenue from the mining, according to experts. Chinese abuses go beyond poor treatment of workers.

Chinese Mines in DRC, Zimbabwe Accused of Violating Human Rights - Africa Defense Forum

ADF STAFF Vast deposits of cobalt, copper, molybdenum and other metals have made the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe important centers of the global mining industry as companies seek resources vital to modern technology. Chinese companies have built significant mining...

adf-magazine.com

 

[Frank]

*Fyi, In other News, I see where,

Gécamines: Alingete calls for sanctions against embezzlers

After revelations, sanctions.

The General Inspectorate of Finances -IGF-, straight in its boots, does not disarm in the case of embezzlement of more than USD 10 million from the Generale des Carrières et des Mines -GECAMINES-, the result of unjustified withdrawals of funds in the accounts of the Congo Real Estate Company -SIMCO-, a company 99% owned by the DR-Congolese mining giant.

The IGF demanded sanctions against the beneficiaries of this sum, shared between directors, executives and agents of GECAMINES.

In particular, she requested the measure of banning all beneficiaries of these embezzled funds from leaving the national territory.

In addition to this measure, this public finance control service, headed by Jules Alingete, ordered the seizure of the beneficiaries' bank accounts as well as the automatic reimbursement to GECAMINES of the embezzled funds, from the beneficiaries' accounts.

This order, it is explained in the corridors of this service attached to the presidency, further reflects the commitment of the IGF to “no longer leave financial predation in DR Congo unpunished”.

At GECAMINES, predation was noted at the beginning of October after more than 25 people, including directors, executives and agents of this public company, shared USD 10,156,754 on the grounds of “special allocation” or “special snack” .

These reasons, indicated on the payment orders -OP-, do not appear in the GECAMINES collective agreement with regard to executives and agents who are bound by an employment contract, the IGF argued to maintain that it These are “illicit advantages” which constitute acts of “misappropriation”.

The sum thus misappropriated came, according to a note from the inspector general head of brigade, G.F. Muzeze Nzonzimbu, addressed to the Inspector General of Finance head of department, Jules Alingete, from dividends paid to SIMCO by Sicomines and KCC between October 2022 and December 2022, two companies in which it is a shareholder alongside Gécamines.

The IGF's revelations had placed the president of the Gécamines Intersyndicale, also promoter of the Lush football club Groupe Bazano, Kasongo Mabwisha, at the head of the beneficiaries of these illicit advantages with, alone, 1.39 million of USD.

He is followed just behind by the current PCA Guy Robert Lukama, administrator at the time of this scam, 1.157 million USD.

DGA in 2022 and since become Administrator, Léon Mwine has taken over more than a million USD. The CEO at the time, Ntambwe Ngoy, who became administrator, walked away with 913,000 USD.

In addition to this quartet, 23 other people shared the remaining 5.6 million - details in the table.

These new revelations are made at a time when the Board of Directors of Gécamines had mentioned “perfectly documented operations within its corporate bodies, carried out in complete transparency in 2022 via bank transfers easily traceable and traced, but unfortunately presented one year later as possible diversions.”

This public giant of the DR-Congolese mining sector had not excluded the possibility of “requesting compensation for any damage caused by false allegations and compensation for material, moral, financial and reputational damage resulting from statements contrary to the facts”.

Barely veiled threats which did not have the merit of making Jules Alingete flinch in the face of “a gang of mafiosi” who decided unilaterally to draw “from the source, from the funds which were to come to Gécamines”.

“These individuals, some of whom receive more than 100,000 USD per month from Gécamines, have sufficiently demonstrated their capacity to cause harm.

How could it be possible that the IGF was aware and that it is the same IGF which is calling on them today?”

Alingete asked in a recent interview with AfricaNews.

www.mediacongo


World Bank suspends $1 billion in funding, impacting more than 600,000 beneficiaries

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a critical situation as the World Bank recently announced the suspension of its financing for humanitarian and development projects in the country, amounting to a significant amount of $1 billion .

This decision will have a direct impact on more than 600,000 beneficiaries, including victims of sexual violence.

This news was communicated to the Congolese Minister of Finance in a letter of which libregrandlac.com has taken note.

Consequences on beneficiaries

The suspension of World Bank funding to the DRC will have a devastating effect on beneficiaries of humanitarian and development projects in the country.

Among them are vulnerable people and victims of sexual violence who depend on these projects for their survival and rehabilitation.

The consequences of this decision will be immediately felt by those who benefit from these programs, leading to a disruption of essential services such as access to education, health and food security.

Reason for suspension

The World Bank made the decision to suspend funding due to concerns over mismanagement of funds allocated to projects in the DRC.

According to the letter sent to the Congolese finance minister, irregularities were noted in the use of previous funding, which led to this drastic suspension.

The World Bank emphasizes the importance of transparency and efficiency in the use of financial resources allocated to development projects.

Call for better financial management

The suspension of World Bank financing in the DRC must be seen as a call to act responsibly and transparently in the management of financial resources.

It is crucial that the Congolese government takes immediate measures to remedy the problems noted and commits to better financial management. This will help restore trust with international partners and guarantee the continuity of projects for the well-being of beneficiaries.

Faced with this suspension of financing, it is essential that the Congolese government works closely with the World Bank and other international partners to find alternative solutions.

It is also important to engage in an open and transparent dialogue in order to resolve the financial management issues that led to this situation.

Cooperation between all parties involved is essential to ensure that beneficiaries do not suffer negative consequences from this long-term suspension of funding.

The suspension of World Bank funding to the DRC for humanitarian and development projects is a call for better financial management and transparency in the use of resources.

It is crucial that the Congolese government takes immediate action to resolve the identified issues in order to rebuild trust with international partners.

In the meantime, alternative solutions must be considered to ensure the continuity of projects and the well-being of beneficiaries.

Collaboration and open dialogue are essential to overcome this difficult situation and provide vital assistance to those who need it most in the DRC.

www.mediacongo

 

[Dave Evans]

29/11/2023

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[Dave Evans]

25/03/2024

Haut-Katanga: "Low content, loss of income", how are artisanal mining operators rolled to Lwisha?

Last updated: 2024/03/24 at 1:23 PM
MinesPublished March 24, 2024

In the Lwisha trading places in the territory of Kambove, on the Lubumbashi-Likasi road axis, artisanal diggers are busy selling their hard-extracted minerals. But behind the apparent activity is a rigged trade system that deprives them of a large part of their income.

Fraudulent practicesState services in the dockSaïbe Kabila

According to the MINES.CD survey, about 70 to 80% of the revenues generated by the production of an artisanal digger fall either into the hands of state services committed to controlling ore trafficking, or to those of traders, sponsors and auction houses.

Fraudulent practices​

In these trading places in Lwisha where dozens or even hundreds of people engage in this activity, artisanal diggers have denounced the fraudulent practices of the sales process, including false weight, price manipulation or the presence of multiple intermediaries.

According to diggers, traders use rigged scales to underestimate the weight of the minerals, reducing their remuneration all the more: "For example, you can make 10% content, but the metoresque indicates only 4%, because everything is settled in such a way as to break prices. Even when the products are 100%, they display 60%, "said an artisanal mining operator.
Taking advantage of their lack of information on real market prices, significantly low prices are imposed on diggers who often have no means to counter-check.

"Each displays its price according to the quality and quantity of the products (editor's note: minerals). Services do not control the market and they only take care of taking their percentages. The diggers are then abandoned to their sad fate, "explained, anonymously, a manager of a mineral depot.

State services in the dock​

Mining site managers have also revealed that a multitude of intermediaries appropriate a significant part of the profits, leaving little to diggers who have worked hard for the extraction of minerals.
In this situation, the state services are accused of being "Gourdy", charging double or even triple the taxes illegally introduced to diggers emptying them of their income. Even more, it is the plurality of services that is denounced.

"First of all, the State that takes us money in the extraction basins, is the same one that still comes to take it when we arrive here. Just drop off the products, they are after you, "says a digger. He added: "They rigged the market with the buyers to make us sell cheaper than expected. And then, you can't complain because they are the ones who control everything."

Obviously, the diggers keep them in poverty around artisanal mines and those of private concessions, push them into social precariousness. Local committees have called for respect for the rights of artisanal diggers as workers in order to allow them to access a fair market.

Saïbe Kabila​

Haut-Katanga : «Faible teneur, perte des revenus», comment les exploitants miniers artisanaux sont roulés à Lwisha ? - MINES.CD - Premier média congolais du secteur minier

Dans les lieux de négoce de Lwisha dans le territoire de Kambove, sur l’axe routier Lubumbashi-Likasi, les creuseurs artisanaux s’affairent à vendre leurs minerais durement extraits. Mais derrière l’apparente activité se cache un système de commerce truqué qui les prive d’une grande partie de...

mines.cd

 

[Dave Evans]

28/10/2024

Scandal in South Kivu: Tong Li Ressources sarl exploits gold without authorization

Mines
October 28, 2024​

South Kivu is one of the provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rich in metal deposits of the tin group, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, rare earth, gold and many others. Despite this, the province remains in the grip of a degree of insecurity that prevents giants of the metal industry from investing in it.

Mining in this province is facing the resurgence of rebel movements. It is mostly operated by cooperatives and foreign companies with Chinese capital, most of which, with the support of certain dignitaries, operate illegally. This is the case of Tong Li Ressources, a Chinese firm that has been operating for some time in gold mining in Maniema and South Kivu.
According to information collected from local sources, the company Tong Li Ressources Sarl, holder of the research permit (PR) 15158, has, since last September, begun to exploit gold in the locality of Lumbwe, in the territory of Fizi in the province of South Kivu at the time when, according to our source, gold is not included in its permit. The company is therefore acting in violation of legal texts, in particular the Code and the mining regulations of the DRC.

"We have a lot of problems with these mining companies. There are companies that have research permits but that carry out their exploitation in violation of all provisions of the Mining Code and the Mining Regulation. In this case, we have the case of the company Tong Li Ressources which operates in Maniema and South Kivu, right on the border between these two provinces. In South Kivu, a month ago the company started operating. They exploit gold when this mineral does not appear in his permit," said a source from the South Kivu judicial authorities.

Tong Li Ressources, mostly owned by Chinese, would be under good cover of an emblematic figure of Kinshasa's power. And to ensure the proper functioning of gold mining and, in short, of this company of which he is a shareholder, this sponsor appointed Muyumba Martin Ndazwi and Ezekile Koya, both as supervisors.

The latter ensure not only the supervision of mining operations but also of everything that is external relations, administrative procedures and others. During a decent inspection carried out last week by the competent services of the place, these two Congolese had, loud and clear, affirmed that Tong Li Resources Sarl held a Research Permit that is not to be confused with the Operating Permit and that the procedures to obtain the latter were already underway.

Many companies like Tong Li Ressources Sarl extract gold without legal documents and they do not declare their profits. They operate without respecting environmental standards, to the point that there are even rivers that have dried up due to chemicals, including mercury.

For Governor Jacques Pulusi of South Kivu, each of these companies, estimated at about 500, would export at least 100 kilos of gold per month, the price on the international market is between 65,000 and 80,000 USD. "These companies operate at least 100 kilos of gold per month, per company, according to surveys. If you calculate that a kilo of gold on the world market is worth between 65,000 and 80,000 USD per kilo, we can immediately imagine what 500 companies withdraw per month, per year and so on, "reflects Jacques Pulusi, Governor of the province of South Kivu.

And when we imagine that these Chinese companies come to install their machines in violation of environmental standards, by destroying rivers with their chemicals, the life of local communities is totally paralyzed. Last August, the provincial government overtook the decision to suspend mining activities throughout the province. It was through the Provincial Assembly that all mining operations were suspended in order to restore order in this sector and to preserve not only human lives but also traceability of minerals.

O. MUKINZI

Scandale au Sud-Kivu : Tong Li Ressources sarl exploite de l’or sans autorisation - MINES.CD - Premier média congolais du secteur minier

Le Sud-Kivu est l’une de provinces dans l’Est de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) riche en gisements de métaux du groupe de l’étain, tungstène, niobium, tantale, terre rares, or et tant d’autres. En dépit de cela, la province reste en proie à un degré d’insécurité qui empêche des géants...

mines.cd

 

[Dave Evans]

28/10/2024

More cases of Chinese corruption being protected in the DRC

Lualaba: FARDC accomplices in illegal mineral exploitation​

MinesPublished October 27, 2024

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rich in mineral resources, is helplessly witnessing an organized looting in the Lualaba where Chinese exploiters illegally dig under the protection of Congolese soldiers, we learned from concordant sources.

In the concession of CHEMAF, a mining company legally established since 2010, these foreign "invaders", without documents or authorization, have erected a real bastion, making the area inaccessible even to public authorities, notes a source who requested anonymity.

In the village of Dianda, in the territory of Mutshatsha, a makeshift bamboo barrier blocks any attempt to access. "The military even prevents CHEMAF representatives from approaching. We wonder where this protection granted to the Chinese comes from, when they illegally exploit our resources, "denounces Maître Pascal Kabasele, CHEMAF's consulting lawyer.

As a reminder, dozens of trucks have been leaving the concession daily for three months now, loaded with minerals, illustrating the extent of this looting. This clandestine exploitation bleeds the DRC of its wealth and deprives the state of crucial tax revenues, while local residents, formerly employed by CHEMAF, see their jobs disappear.

Unlike CHEMAF, which respects its social obligations, illegal operators do not provide any support to communities. Pollution, insecurity, and psychosis are now the daily life of residents, explains a resident.
CHEMAF, despite several legal appeals, is facing an inexplicable judicial blockage.

However, the company says it remains hopeful, relying on the rule of law defended by President Félix Tshisekedi and Justice Minister Constant Mutamba. But each day of inaction reinforces the DRC's loss of control over its own resources, sometimes in complicity with elements of the Congolese army.

Lualaba : Des FARDC complices dans l'exploitation illégale des minerais - MINES.CD - Premier média congolais du secteur minier

La République Démocratique du Congo (RDC), riche en ressources minières, assiste impuissante à un pillage organisé dans le Lualaba où des exploitants chinois creusent illégalement sous la protection de soldats congolais, a-t-on appris des sources concordantes. Dans la concession de CHEMAF...

mines.cd

 

[Dave Evans]

29/10/2024

Haut-Katanga: unemployment and social precariousness push clandestine mining​

MinesPublished October 28, 2024

Faced with unemployment, illegal mining reigns supreme in the Kalukulu 2 district, in the municipality of Ruashi, 7 km from the city center of Lubumbashi. In an interview with MINES.CD, the local development committee pleads for the creation of an artisanal mining area for diggers who operate illegally on the Ruashi Mining and Chemaf concessions.

In a narrow alley, diagonally from the walls of Ruashi Mining, a company owned 75% by the South African company Metorex, stands a man in his old thirties. In panties, black T-shirt and decorated with diadem jewelry, he has just jumped the barriers separating the Kalukulu 2 district from the mining squares of the aforementioned company. "There, you see me in work clothes. I just got out of there [Ruashi Mining, ed]," he reassures in a light tone. "I worked there all night to look for something to feed my family," he confides, pointing to a beer house where he invites us. A few minutes later, other diggers will join this refreshment bar.

Clandestine diggers

Reagan Mobali ya Mbongo (a pseudonym), is a non-real artisanal diger. Married to two wives and father of two children, he risks his life every day by looking for copper and cobalt ores in the mining squares of Ruashi Mining, a joint venture 25% owned by the Congolese state across the Gecamines.

"We lack work and I am a digher. A dig can't stay without doing anything when there's this deposit next door, that's why we come here, despite security," he explains in a firm tone, while adding: "it's a live job. At the slightest mistake, you are stopped by the security of the site and you have to pay between 250,000 and 300,000 FC to be released at the parquet level".

Between the risk of being arrested and being shot, he puts himself in danger every time: he jumps the barrier of the company to extract minerals, a small amount to pay just to eat. "Here, we are allowed to take only a small bag like that. We can't take more. In short, we cannot work normally as any digger would, "he reveals.

Faced with this social precariousness, Reagan Mobali ya Mbongo is one of the dozens of young people who circulate on the mining concessions of Ruashi Mining and Chemaf to take minerals. "This activity is illegal," reassures the President of the local development committee in an interview with Mines.cd.

The local development committee calls for the creation of a ZEA

Moïse Kabamba, President of this committee, explains that this illegality is the result of an arrangement between artisanal mining operators and the security services committed to the custody of these mining concessions. "It's a situation that hasn't improved for years," he says. “They work in bad conditions. Every day, there are always incidents. We shoot there," he added. "Our concern is that we are given a part where we will exploit safely," argues Uncle, another illegal operator. "It must be said that we are here because we are unemployed. If the state and the company find a way to create a legal craft site for us, it will help us a lot, "he said.

This idea is supported by Moïse Kabamba, who calls for the creation of an artisanal mining area for illegal diggers. This Z.E.A will also put an end to the recurring disorders in these spaces. "Personally, I think this will be a good thing for the company and for the population who will be able to work legally. We must give these young people a place where they can work honestly."

All our efforts to get in touch with the mining company have not been successful.

Saibe Kabila

Haut-Katanga : chômage et précarité sociale poussent à l'artisanat minier clandestin - MINES.CD - Premier média congolais du secteur minier

Face au chômage, l’artisanat minier illégal règne en maître au quartier Kalukulu 2, dans la commune de Ruashi, à 7 km du centre ville de Lubumbashi. Dans un entretien à MINES.CD, le comité local de développement plaide pour la création d’une zone d’exploitation minière artisanale en faveur des...

mines.cd