Lubumbashi: launch of the 19th edition of the DRC Mining Week, Jacques Kyabula kicks off!
The governor of the Haut-Katanga province, the Honorable Jacques Kyabula Katwe, proceeded, this Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, to the official opening of the 19th edition of the DRC Minnig Week which has become an essential event for the mining industry in the DRCongo.
“The DRC Mining Week is a place for exchanges and the conclusion of win-win partnerships between investors and mining operators,” declared the Honorable Jacques Kyabula Katwe. 
Placed under the theme: “Prioritizing sustainable mining operations and local transformation in the DRCongo”, the 19th edition of DRC Mining runs from June 12 to 14, 2024.
More than 200 companies are present at the exhibition and 10 renowned speakers are expected at various conferences.
For the Event Director of DRC Minig Week, Mr. Samukelo Madlabane, sustainability has become the cornerstone of modern mining practices.
“Our commitment to responsible mining not only ensures the preservation of the environment and natural resources, but also supports the long-term visibility of the mining industry,” he said in substance.
And, he added: “Through innovative technologies, community engagement and forward-thinking policies, we aim to achieve a balance between economic prosperity and good environmental governance.”
Note that technical sub-themes are planned for this 19th edition, namely, “Mining and Digital Technologies”, for Wednesday June 12, “Solution for the mining value chain”, for Thursday June 13 and “the potential of the mining value chain”, for Friday June 14, 2024.
Lubumbashi: USAID INVEST a remarkable participation in the 19th edition of the DRC Mining Week.
USAID INVEST is participating in the 19th edition of the DRC Mining Week which is being held in Lubumbashi, at the Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, from June 12 to 14, 2024.
This Wednesday, at the opening of its meetings, a “Lunch on American investments in the mining sector of the DRC” was organized on the sidelines of Mining Week.
USAID/DRC Mission Director. John Dunlop recalled the USAID INVEST mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and their long-established partnerships, while mentioning their involvement in mining week.
“In fact, the DRC is essential to ensure the future of us all.
It is ready to assume the role of a key country in the fight against climate change on a global scale.
It is essential to the transition to clean energy and to guaranteeing a sustainable future for all of us,” insisted John Dunlop.
He also highlighted the problem of the transition to clean energy in the DRC.
In order to fully realize its benefits, it is crucial to improve infrastructure to support mining operations and improve the overall governance of the sector.
In response to a question from the press on the benefits for the Congolese populations of the mining sector, John Dunlop recommends that all mining companies respect the texts every time.
“If there are mines that do not pay taxes, that do not follow the laws, that is a problem, because it does not benefit the Congolese,” he said.
Investment to mining operators
The United States, through the USAID structure, has launched, according to Director John Dunlop, a call for proposals as part of its “Trade and investment in Africa: critical minerals” project.
This project, funded to the tune of $20 million, aims to find innovative ideas to stimulate trade and investment in the DRC's mining sector.
“I am pleased to announce that we have received over forty concepts for over one hundred million dollars in funding.
“This is a strong signal of demand for U.S.-guaranteed funding to help responsible companies that want to work in the DRC’s critical minerals sector.”
ROK Metals, a Congolese factory specializing in the processing of copper cathodes in Likasi, has obtained two million dollars in funding from USAID for its investment in the Congolese private sector.
According to John Dunlop, these funds will allow the company to expand its activities to increase exports of copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide to 600 tonnes per year.
These exports will be destined for the United States and various markets around the world.
What is USAID’s role in investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
On the sidelines of the DRC Mining Week, this Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Lubumbashi, the Director General of USAID INVEST, John Dunlop presented this organization as a whole, emphasizing its support and its actions in the Democratic Republic .
USAID INVEST encourages investment by local businesses in the DRCongo in order to promote inclusive growth.
She is involved in programs aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations, promoting health, education, access to drinking water, food security and responding to humanitarian needs in the event of a disaster. natural or conflict.
This American organization, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, intends to expand its network on multiple issues relating to critical minerals in the mining sector.
“We are increasing our focus on mining issues in this country and assuring everyone who wants to invest that there is an environment in the private sector that is fair and free of corruption.
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