On the sidelines of this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, held from February 9 to 11, Eurasian Resources Group in Africa (ERG Africa) and the Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening sustainable and responsible artisanal cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The MoU, signed in the presence of DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, forms part of a public-private partnership intended to enhance the formalisation, professionalisation and accountability of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and provides EGC with mining rights over an exploitation area owned by ERG Africa in the Lualaba province.

In a media release, the companies explain that, while none of ERG Africa’s production originates from ASM and will not do so in the future, the group is committed, alongside EGC, the Cobalt For Development Programme implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and local communities, to supporting the formalisation of this sector, which is crucial for the country’s economic development and the transparency of the entire supply chain.

The pilot project within the MoU is aimed at establishing a structured model that will improve the working conditions of ASM miners and reduce the risks associated with informal mining – including human rights risks.

The companies note that it should strengthen social cohesion within surrounding mining communities, enhance environmental protection and ensure the traceability and security of the cobalt supply chain, in line with the vision of the DRC government.

The signing ceremony was attended by Kabamba, as well as EGC chairperson Gino Buhendwa Ntale, EGC CEO Eric Kalala and ERG Africa CEO Davron Vakhabov.

Implementation will be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Mines, the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Markets and Strategic Substances (ARECOMS), Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement de l’Exploitation Minière Artisanale et à Petite Échelle (SEAMAPE), and the Centre d'Expertise d'Evaluation et de Certification (CEEC), with the support of Gécamines.

EGC will provide operational leadership, while ERG Africa will act as an enabling partner and GIZ as technical partner.

A third-party operator will be appointed to oversee day-to-day operations and public consultations will be held with local communities and civil society.

“At ERG Africa, we believe legitimate artisanal mining plays an important socioeconomic role in the DRC. Supporting the formalisation of ASM activities within the legal framework is essential to improving safety, transparency and community well-being.

“The signing of this agreement represents a concrete commitment in that direction. By combining the respective experience of the different parties, together with government support, we are laying the foundation for a model with transformative potential,” said Vakhabov.

“By regulating and supervising artisanal mining on a defined site, we can ensure responsible operations that comply with both national and international standards, with the aim of developing a replicable, long-term model.

“I welcome ERG Africa’s initiative to advance our efforts to formalise ethical artisanal mining, and I am confident that, with the commitment of all stakeholders, this initiative will succeed and serve as an example,” said Kalala.

“For the DRC, the solution is formalisation, not exclusion. Our approach is grounded in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development-aligned due diligence, traceability and responsible sourcing, while responding to the practical needs of battery manufacturers and original-equipment manufacturers for secure, ethical supply.

“A central pillar of this strategy is EGC, which has been mandated to organise artisanal cobalt production through designated ASM zones, structured cooperatives, controlled buying points and compliance with safety and labour standards.

“This creates the conditions for traceable, verifiable supply that downstream buyers can trust. The State will continue to work with local leaders, cooperatives, and companies to ensure that formalisation goes hand in hand with livelihoods and dignity. This MoU shows that cooperation – not confrontation – is the most sustainable path forward,” added Kabamba.

The companies explain that this initiative fully aligns with the priorities of DRC President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the DRC government and the Ministry of Mines, in support of a more formalised and transparent mining sector that delivers sustainable and inclusive growth.