First Mining Drc-Zambia 2023 First Mining Drc-Zambia July -August 2023 digital magazine | Page 25

training ”, said Ms Mimi Lukonde , ERG Africa ’ s Safety , Health and Sustainability Administrator .
The Cahier des Charges includes the construction of four new schools with equipped classrooms as well as the addition of equipped classrooms to existing schools in the area .
To create more job opportunities for people from its hosting communities , COMIDE also intends to establish a vocational training centre to equip future skilled workers with the tools to take advantage of diverse employment opportunities within the mining industry , including at COMIDE – once the asset is fully operational . The community-identified need for sustainable food production and economic development , is addressed through the plan ’ s agricultural projects . These will focus on maize production and livestock farming . In addition to providing the means to farm higher-quality produce , capacity building programmes aim to increase farmers ’ yields and move them from subsistence farming to becoming sustainable small enterprises .
“ The specifications [ in the Cahier des Charges ] aim to achieve sustainable development , so that we can be independent even when the company is no longer there . We support the empowerment that is mentioned in the specifications , as it ’ s a very good deal for us ,” remarked community representative , Ms Rose Mbeya .
In addition , four new healthcare centres will serve communities , while the construction of borehole systems will deliver reliable sources of clean water .
Mr Deodat Kapenda Wa Kapenda , congratulated all involved in the creation of the Cahier de Charges , and praised the COMIDE team for its concerted efforts to fulfilling its obligations , “ I note that , in accordance with article 285 septies of the Mining Code , COMIDE is one of the mining companies that does not breach the obligations of our legislation with regard to the social responsibility of mining and quarrying companies .”
The signing of the Community Development Plan Agreement only marks the start of COMIDE ’ s community development journey . Once COMIDE ( which is currently in care and maintenance ) becomes operational , communities will stand to benefit further through employment opportunities , the 0.3 % endowment legislated in the Mining Code and the contribution of social mining royalties towards social development initiatives .
Works to prepare COMIDE for future operations are expected to begin in Q4 , 2023 .
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