Artisanal mining constitutes 10-20% of the DRC’s copper and cobalt production, employing over 200,000 individuals under perilous conditions. Despite government vows to formalize the sector since 2002, progress has stagnated, leading miners to work illegally and face severe health and safety risks. The establishment of EGC aims to improve conditions but will take years to implement. Health hazards include exposure to toxic chemicals and potentially radioactive materials, necessitating urgent remedial actions and training for miners.
Artisanal mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a critical component of the country’s economy, contributing 10-20% of copper and cobalt production. Despite significant government pledges to formalize this sector, which began in 2002, tangible progress remains elusive even after two decades. Over 200,000 individuals work in the precarious artisanal mining sector within the Katanga region, often utilizing rudimentary tools in hazardous conditions, a situation perpetuated by unfulfilled promises of improved welfare from state authorities. In 2002, the DRC government expressed its intention to transition artisanal mining into a more organized semi-industrialized sector, particularly after the division of the state-owned mining company, Gécamines. However, two decades later, the allocation of artisanal mining zones as per the 2018 Mining Code has not materialized, and industrial companies continue to dominate most mineral deposits. This lack of implementation has left many artisanal miners working illegally, often forced to encroach upon sites designated for formal mining operations. Frédéric Malu, director of CENADEP, noted that although the provincial government of Lualaba has permitted temporary access to certain areas for artisanal miners, these zones ultimately belong to private companies and do not offer genuine security or formalization of rights. Furthermore, the limitation of investment capabilities among mining cooperatives inhibits the transition to semi-industrialized practices. In an attempt to bridge this gap, the government established the Entreprise générale du cobalt (EGC) in 2019, aiming to create a framework for improving the conditions faced by artisanal miners. Despite the promise of addressing severe labor hazards and adhering to social and environmental regulations, initial allocations of valid mining areas for artisanal operations are not expected to be made until 2024, which offers little immediate relief. The situation remains compounded by profound health and safety risks endemic to artisanal mining, including the absence of protective equipment and the potential exposure to radioactive materials. Queenter Osoro, of the Eastern African Association for Radiation Protection, warned about the health risks posed by uranium and thorium decay in copper and cobalt ores, which could adversely affect not only the miners but also the surrounding communities. Reports of increased cancer cases further highlight these dire environmental and health challenges. Miners face exposure not only to hazardous physical conditions but also to chemical pollutants like sulfur and lime, which can migrate through contaminated air and water sources due to their mining activities. Jean-Pierre Djibu, a geography professor, emphasized the necessity of informing and training local miners to promote safer working conditions and reduce health risks awakened by a lack of knowledge regarding these dangers.
In the DRC, artisanal mining serves as a vital source of income for millions, capitalizing on the nation’s rich mineral resources, particularly copper and cobalt. This sector accounts for a significant portion of the country’s mining output but suffers from unregulated practices, leading to severe risks for laborers. Over the past two decades, government initiatives aimed at formalizing and regulating this sector have largely failed, leaving many miners at the mercy of informal economies and unsafe working environments.
The situation of artisanal miners in the DRC paints a troubling picture of unmet promises and ongoing hazards. Despite government efforts to formalize the sector and improve working conditions, little progress has been made in creating a safe and sustainable environment for miners. Continuous exposure to health risks, combined with inadequate support and infrastructure, underscores the urgent need for enforcement of mining regulations, better education, and safety training to protect the livelihoods and lives of those in the artisanal mining community.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
