Glencore hosted its 6th annual conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gathering key stakeholders to address pivotal issues in the nation’s mining sector.
The event served as a vital platform for industrial miners like Glencore to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, as well as traceability and sustainability initiatives. Since entering the DRC in 2007, Glencore has played a major role in the country’s economy, particularly through copper and cobalt production.
Glencore’s significant assets in the DRC include Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), co-owned with Gécamines (which holds a 25% stake), and Mutanda Mining (MUMI), where the Congolese government retains a 5% share. In 2023, Glencore contributed nearly USD 1 billion to the DRC government through its operations.
The conference featured high-profile figures such as H.E. Kizito Pakabomba, the DRC’s Minister of Mines; Swiss Ambassador H.E. Chasper Sarott; Gécamines Chairman Guy-Robert Lukama; and Anna Krutikov, Glencore’s Head of Sustainable Development. Other notable attendees included 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.
Keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on challenges and opportunities related to ensuring sustainable growth in the DRC’s mining industry.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC and Chairperson of KCC, underscored Glencore’s role in the global energy transition and the strong partnerships established in the DRC. “These partnerships and the DRC’s role in the energy transition are vital to the country’s ongoing development,” she stated.
Mark Davis, CEO of Glencore Copper Africa, provided updates on the company’s operations, highlighting the recent renewal of KCC’s mining permits—a significant milestone for one of the DRC’s largest copper mines. He emphasized that the renewal demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for international investors.
The conference also included a video message from Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, who stressed the importance of responsible mining in driving sustainable development and benefiting local communities.
Glencore’s operations in the DRC are certified by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and are progressing toward full compliance with The Copper Mark, a leading ESG certification in the copper industry.
The company reiterated its dedication to building a sustainable future in the DRC through collaboration with local authorities, international partners, and surrounding communities. Davis concluded by affirming Glencore’s commitment to responsibly source essential commodities, expressing confidence that Glencore’s presence in the DRC will remain integral to its global strategy, supporting the world’s energy transition while delivering long-term benefits to the Congolese people.
