Congo Takes a Stand Against Illegal Mining

Congo, a major player in the global cobalt market, has decided to put a stop to unregulated mineral processing. This move is part of a broader effort to tackle corruption and ensure that minerals are sourced legally. The government has ordered all artisanal copper and cobalt processing units to halt operations temporarily. They must now verify the origin of the minerals they use. A special commission will be set up to check compliance and ensure that the minerals are legally obtained. This crackdown is not new. Congo has been struggling with illegal mining for years. It's a big issue because it costs the country a lot of money. The government doesn't know exactly how much is lost, but it's a significant amount. Artisanal mining is a vital source of income for many people in Congo. It employs around 1. 5 to 2 million people directly and supports over 10 million indirectly. However, the unregulated nature of this mining makes it difficult to track and control.In November, Congo launched its first batch of traceable artisanal cobalt. This was a step towards aligning with international standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. But the recent suspension shows that there's still a lot of work to be done. The government hopes that this suspension will help identify the flow and volume of minerals processed by these units. It's a chance to clean up the industry and ensure that everyone plays by the rules. However, it's not just about the government. A local non-governmental group, LICOCO, has pointed out that many entities operating illegally pay bribes to get their permits. This undermines the requirements laid out in the mining code. The impact of this suspension on illegal exports is unclear. But one thing is certain: Congo is taking a stand against corruption and illegal mining. It's a step towards a more transparent and regulated industry.