In conversation with
What is the significance of this project, first of all for the country
and for this area in particular?
It has huge significance for the country and region. Bisie will
demonstrate that the DRC can support the mining sector in a
fragile part of the country characterised by weak governance and a
lot of conflict since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and even before
that. This project has the potential to stabilise and reinforce peace
and to promote development.
Has the national government shown a lot of interest in the project?
They have, but at times artisanal groups or other competitors have
been able to influence the national government, which created new
risks for us. They have supported the Anti-Fraud Commission’s
effort, though. The provincial government is a lot closer to the
ground. The provincial governor created an official committee that
involves 27 provincial ministers and their role is to see how they
can support us. For example, if we are building a school, to make
sure that the teachers are paid; it is as simple as that.
Does Rwanda still play a role in the eastern DRC?
Richard Robinson, managing director of Alphamin Bisie Mining. Oh yes. Rwanda has a big influence throughout the eastern parts
of the DRC. At this point, it is primarily economic through their
investments or through business people who are either Rwandan
or have Rwandan links.
How difficult was it to manage the artisanal problem and what
were the challenges? What would your advice be for investors looking to do business in
the eastern DRC?
When we started, it was already becoming more difficult for the
artisanal miners to get to the ore body. The number of artisanal
miners dropped significantly from between 10 000 and 15 000 in
2008 to about 400 today. It is critical that any investment enjoys local support and
community buy-in. That means the project has a firewall of
people around to protect it; that is critical. You need to be
respectful and humble and understand the local and national
actors and interests at play. That doesn’t mean you have to bribe
anyone. It is possible to operate here by following the highest
business standards in the world, although it won’t always be fair
because you are playing at different rules than some other people
who bribe their way to the top. You need to be well informed on
the risks, the competitors, and their strategies so that you can
develop counter-strategies.
However, even these small numbers still have their networks
that are linked with armed groups. They have corrupted
the police, and it is possible that they can corrupt the army.
They are also supported by political and financial interest in
Kinshasa, Goma, and Kigali in Rwanda. We had to handle all
these issues very carefully and the solutions were a collaboration
of like-minded people who have a common interest to clean up
the mining sector.
Is it true that you were detained?
I was detained by the National Anti-Fraud Commission, but never
formally arrested and charged. They questioned me about our
sample exports, which is what you do when you do exploration.
We exported about 30 tonnes of exploration samples, which they
accused us of selling for commercial gain. We suspect that the
artisanal mining interests were behind the information that resulted
in me being detained. Nevertheless, we now work with the same
Anti-Fraud Commission. They are serious about detecting fraud and
play an important role in addressing corruption and fraud in the area
of our operation.
How does politics in the DRC really affect local communities and
projects like yours?
Politics affects all stakeholders. If there is a lack of certainty about
the political situation, it means nobody makes decisions. If we are
constantly being harassed and government fails to pay back tax
reimbursements, for example, it affects operations significantly.
www.africanmining.co.za
You need to partner with local Congolese who aren’t just self-
interested but who see the bigger picture and can give good advice.
There are 320 different tribal identities in this country, and it is
easy to favour one community over another. Be conscious of that
and work with local people.
Although it is risky to invest in these parts of the DRC, these risks
can be managed, analysed, and mitigated. Then you might just find
that the investment is a lot more enticing and secure than in South
Africa or Tanzania, for example.
What are the major risks in the DRC?
Political risk, security risk, and infrastructure risk.
What is your feeling about the Congo for the next three to five years?
It can only get better. We have reached a threshold of limited
governance and problems and in the long term, things will improve.
That is certainly what the Congolese people want, and they deserve
it. This project gives a lot of good people hope that things can
improve as the Katanga success stories have proven. b
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