African Mining February 2022 | Page 19

COUNTRY IN FOCUS •

Survey of Belgium of the DRC has led to historic and abandoned mining operations being re-investigated for the viability of restarting operations . The known and newly-explored cassiterite deposits in the east of the country , along the borders with Rwanda and Burundi , have seen a flurry of activity . Cassiterite is the primary mineral ore of tin , which is increasingly used in high technology equipment and devices . It was announced in 2021 by Alphamin that a new cassiterite mineralisation was intercepted at their Mpama North project , with high grades . Lithium is another 4IR mineral of interest , with AVZ Minerals investigating an expansion scenario for their Manono lithium-tin project .

Precious metals have not been an influence in the DRC mining industry , when compared to the base metals market . Very few deposits are known and to date are located in remote sites in the DRC . The Kibali gold mine has been one of the most successful , but a couple of new junior companies have been raising funds and conducting exploration . In September 2021 , it was announced by Amani Gold that it aims to raise USD7-million to develop their Giro gold project . Diamond giant , Alrosa , has signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) with the State-owned diamond miner Societé minière de Bakwanga ( MIBA ) to increase their collaboration in the emerging DRC diamond sector .

During the DRC Mining Week in June 2021 , a major topic on the agenda was the establishment of more stringent ESG measures for companies that are already operating in the DRC as well as mining companies that want to be new entrants into the DRC mining sector . The stated aims are to minimise and develop remedial measures for the increasingly large areas of virgin forest that are affected by mining operations . It also aims to assist the government in addressing the massive challenge of unemployment in the country by supporting larger community projects , and upskilling the communities to enable them to build their economy outside of the mining sector . Investing in education was also cited as a milestone in the social upliftment projects , with the aim to ensure that local schools are staffed and equipped to ensure future generations of a potentially better livelihood . Companies like Eurasian Resources Group ( ERG ) signed pledges to support local development initiatives over various periods and commit to involvement in agricultural projects .

The move towards green and renewable energies has also been endorsed and encouraged . The potential of new projects to supply the country and mining operations with reliable electricity is gaining momentum . A notable example is the hydro-powered Kamoa Copper mine . In the interim , while electrical supply issues persist , mines have moved to becoming self-sufficient . Barrick Gold ’ s Kibali mine completed the installation of a 7.5MW battery energy storage system , by Caterpillar and Tractafric .

Equipment manufacturers have also seen the gap in the DRC mining sector , with an increasing number of companies establishing a local presence to supply the market directly . This includes companies such as , Dynamic Fluid Control ( DFC ) to supply valves . The increase in demand for stainless steel pumps in the region was also reported by Integrated Pump Technologies . There have also been some incentives to support local entrepreneurs to produce , manufacture and offer services to the mining sector , such as apron feeder machines .

China remains the largest investor in the DRC , with several direct and indirect mining operations . On the one hand , this has resulted in certain regions benefitting from new or improved infrastructure . The flip side has been those concerns around exploitation of artisanal miners and influencing of government officials .

It is expected that 2022 will bring several new challenges and opportunities to those willing to enter the DRC . The main driving factors will remain the development of the legislation and requirements around ethical sourcing and ESG . The DRC is also expected to further support the development of the other 4IR minerals projects and potential improvement of the country infrastructure . It will also be important for the country to conclude some of the ongoing legal and fiscal issues with some of the legacy operators . •

About the author : Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp is an independent consultant with over two decades of industry experience and an extensive project portfolio in Africa .

It is expected that 2022 will bring several new challenges and opportunities to those willing to enter the DRC .”