Context
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has significant deposits of copper and cobalt as well as other natural resources. The extractive industry has grown significantly over the past 20 years and accounts for nearly a third of government revenue. However, the growth of this industry has not led to poverty reduction in the country.
Mining in the DRC needs to consider environmental and social aspects to promote good governance and responsible operation. Eventually, this will also increase revenues.
Objective
In the DRC mining has contributed to economic and social development as well as poverty reduction.
Approach
The project works to improve governance in mining and to enhance extractive practices. It operates in the following fields of action:
1. Transparency and participation: The project supports civil society initiatives in mining and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to ensure transparency of financial flows and inclusive dialogue between public and private actors as well as civil society.
2. Promoting workers’ rights: It fosters international standards in working conditions, which means to include human rights, the ban on child labour and environmental protection.
3. Improving qualifications: It offers support services to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
4. Public revenue mobilisation: The project works to enhance the skills of tax and mining administration services for better data management and higher revenues.