Glencore Hosts 6th Annual Mining Conference in Kinshasa, DRC
On October 8, 2024, global mining giant Glencore held its 6th annual conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gathering a broad cross-section of key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in the country’s mining sector. The event, a major platform for industrial miners like Glencore, highlighted efforts to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, traceability, and sustainability within the sector.
Since establishing a presence in the DRC in 2007, Glencore has made significant contributions to the country’s economy through its copper and cobalt production. Its assets include Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), jointly owned with Gécamines (holding a 25% stake), and Mutanda Mining (MUMI), with a 5% shareholding by the Congolese state. In 2023 alone, Glencore contributed close to USD 1 billion to the DRC government through its operations.
This year’s conference featured prominent speakers, including H.E. Kizito Pakabomba, DRC’s Minister of Mines, Swiss Ambassador H.E. Chasper Sarott, Guy-Robert Lukama, Chairman of Gécamines, and Anna Krutikov, Head of Sustainable Development at Glencore International.
Also present were key figures such as H.E. Joelle Kona, Vice-President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), and Marie Gabriel Opese, General Director of Standard Bank in the DRC. Their keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities for ensuring the sustainability of the DRC’s mining industry.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC and Chairperson of KCC, emphasized Glencore’s pivotal role in global energy transitions and the partnerships that have developed from their operations in the DRC. “These partnerships and the role the DRC has to play in the energy transition are important factors in the country’s continued development,” she said.
Mark Davis, CEO of Glencore Copper Africa, delivered key updates on Glencore’s mining operations, including the recent renewal of KCC’s mining permits, a milestone critical to one of the DRC’s largest copper mines. He noted that this renewal signifies the government’s ongoing efforts to foster a business-friendly environment for international investors.
The conference also saw a message from Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, delivered via video, in which she stressed the importance of responsible mining practices in driving sustainable development that benefits local communities.
Glencore’s DRC operations, certified by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), are working toward full compliance with The Copper Mark assurance program, a leading ESG framework within the copper value chain. The company reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable future for the DRC, working closely with local authorities, international partners, and the communities surrounding their mining operations.
Davis concluded the event by underscoring Glencore’s global commitment to responsibly source the commodities essential for everyday life. He expressed confidence that the company’s presence in the DRC remains a cornerstone of its global business strategy, positioning Glencore to support the world’s energy transition while delivering long-term benefits to the people of the DRC.
