DRC mining minister to attend long running event in Copperbelt
The long-awaited homecoming of the DRC Mining Week expo and conference is only one week away: it kicks off next Wednesday, 1 June and will gather thousands of mining professionals, celebrating its return to Lubumbashi.
The DRC’s minister of mines, H.E. Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi, and the governor of Haut Katanga province, H.E. Jacques Kyabula Katwe, will be among the dignitaries at the event. The theme for the opening session on Wednesday afternoon at 14h00 is: ‘Collaboration to build a resilient and sustainable mining industry in the DRC’.
Proud tradition: discussions, deals and drinks
“DRC Mining Week has become a proud tradition for the mining industry in the Copperbelt and the region over the last 17 years, and the whole community is super excited to get back together, discuss common challenges, share successes, definitely do some deals, and just relax and have fun, the Lubumbashi way—the town is expecting a true mining invasion!” enthuses Elodie Delagneau, DRC Mining Week’s event director.
She confirms: “All the safety protocols will be in place to ensure an invaluable, topical and safe experience for everyone to meet other delegates, attend presentations, workshops, networking functions and spend quality time on the expo floors.”
International gathering in a local, mining hub
The largest expo and conference in the Copperbelt dedicated to the mining and industrial sectors, DRC Mining Week has always been able to bring key international mining pioneers and investors to the bustling mining hub in the heart of the Copperbelt.
Descending on Lubumbashi next week will be some 600 mining executives from 80 mining houses and operators, 4000+ attendees, of which 70% will be international, more than 80 expert speakers, and the in- and outdoor exhibition is hosting the German and South African country pavilions with specialised industry technology and service providers.
Other activities at the event include the welcome cocktail function, daily networking functions during the day and after hours, a golf day, the Women in Mining Lunch (by invitation only) and site visits.
DRC Mining Week will focus on the following themes in the conference programme:
Day 1: Power & Energy Pre-Event Forum & Official Opening (Wednesday, 1 June 2022):
09h00: Power & Energy Pre-Event Forum
– The race for sustainable power supply: Progress reports from current and upcoming projects
– Off grid: Diversifying the energy mix and relooking at DRC operating models to maximise local production
14h00: Official opening of DRC Mining Week
– Collaboration to build a resilient and sustainable mining industry in the DRC
Day 2: (Thursday, 2 June 2022):
– Collaboration to build a resilient and sustainable mining industry in the DRC
– Junior Mining Forum: Exploration and investment opportunities in the DRC
– Battery metals: Is the DRC ready to harness the green transition?
– CEO Roundtable (by invitation only)
– Women in Mining: Paving the way for inclusivity in the sector
– Financing the sector: What are the options for local companies?
– From mines to market: Transforming raw materials into end products in Africa
Day 3 (Friday, 3 June 2022):
– Beyond borders: Increasing intra-regional and international trade with the DRC
– The era of smart mines: Is the DRC mining market ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
– Insurance: Mining risk and Responsible mining
Longstanding industry support
The event boasts the longstanding and loyal support of many mining and industrial sector leaders, including Equity BCDC, Orange and Standard Bank who are diamond plus sponsors, and ERG Africa, FBN Bank, Glencore and Vodacom Business, who are diamond sponsors. Other big names in industry that are partners of DRC Mining Week in June include Ivanhoe Mines, the Cobalt Institute, USAID and Global Communities.
- “Over the past three years, Vodacom Congo has invested billions in infrastructure, enabling it to connect communities with the widest network coverage using 2G, 3G and 4G technology, which connects people to the most remote and rural areas. For Vodacom Congo, communication is not a privilege but a right for all.” – Rene Monzambe, in charge of Regional Commercial Strategy, Vodacom ME Regions.
- “The mining industry always surprises us with its resilience, despite the harsh economic times brought about by the pandemic and economic shut-down. For example, the pandemic saw an increase in the demand for cobalt and copper despite a forecasted slump. We look forward to return to DRC Mining Week and showcasing our products and services and find potential customers.” – Cedrick Kalombo, Machines Head of Sales (Rental, Used and New), Congo Equipment, gold sponsor.
- – “The DRC recently joined the East African Community (EAC), becoming its seventh partner state. The most indisputable benefit for Zacosia Trading in DRC is the ease of doing business and the expanded market for businesses to thrive with minimal restrictions. We are keen on partnering with other likeminded firms in line with our petroleum, metals and agriculture focus.” – Jamal Abshir, Regional Director of Zacozia Trading, silver sponsor.
Full partner interviews can be found here on the event website.
Click here to register to attend DRC Mining Week from 1–3 June 2022
