As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) works to leverage its mining sector for broader economic upliftment, it is balancing rising copper and cobalt production with the need to align operations with international sustainability, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, says engineering and scientific consultancy SRK Consulting.

“To achieve this, the DRC government has introduced stricter regulatory frameworks and encourages mining operators to adopt global best practices in resource management, environmental protection and community engagement,” states SRK Consulting DRC country chairperson Dominique Sambwa.

Recent regional development and investment in DRC’s cities, such as Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, show that mining is already having a significant impact on the country’s economy, infrastructure and future.

As such, to maintain its positive momentum, the DRC’s mining sector needs to adopt and apply international standards to underpin its operational resilience while making it more attractive to investors and financial institutions, he adds.

To satisfy increasingly stringent lenders, original-equipment manufacturers and market expectations, mining operators in the DRC have started to fundamentally restructure their ESG practices.

These efforts are focused on seven key strategies – including ESG due diligence formalisation and being subjected to third-party ESG audits and decarbonisation efforts – that collectively enhance operational integrity, secure financing and maintain market access, elaborates Sambwa.

“Mining companies in the DRC are aligning their supply chain systems with internationally recognised standards, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Due Diligence Guidance,” he says.

Further, by publishing transparent risk-management reports, Sambwa says these mining companies are aiming to meet the rigorous requirements set by lenders and buyers, demonstrating a commitment to responsible sourcing and risk mitigation.

As such, operators are subjecting their ESG practices to independent verification through schemes such as the Copper Mark and the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process.



Embedded ESG

ESG compliance is now embedded in mine design and operational planning from the outset and, with sustainability considerations consequently integrated into every stage of production, mines ensure that ESG supports, rather than restricts, growth and financing opportunities.

Sambwa adds that robust ESG systems are becoming essential for the continued production, investment and market access of DRC copper and cobalt mines.

“By positioning ESG as a driver of operational stability and financial viability, these operators are adapting to evolving industry expectations and securing their long-term success,” he says.

Meanwhile, while the DRC prioritises the production of copper and cobalt, Sambwa says access to premium markets is increasingly dependent on demonstratable ESG performance.

He outlines that government is leveraging policy instruments – such as the Mining Code and production quotas; transparency initiatives, such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; and marketing standards, including the Copper Mark, the European Union’s battery regulations and those of the London Metal Exchange – in tandem.

“This integrated approach ensures that production growth does not outpace the country’s readiness to meet sustainability requirements,” says Sambwa.



Through the application of global standards regarding exploration, resource estimation, mine planning, environmental permitting and social engagement in the country, SRK has helped mining companies adopt geological codes to ensure accurate and reliable resource and reserve estimations.

“This benefited investors by building confidence in the local business environment and also assisted other stakeholders such as government departments responsible for regulating and taxing the minerals sector,” highlights Sambwa.

Further, a key area of regulatory evolution in the DRC has been social impact, says SRK Consulting principal environmental consultant Wouter Jordaan.

This has required innovations in areas such as exploration, tailings management, social development initiatives and mine closure.

While it is globally accepted that the benefits of mining should be actively leveraged to uplift and diversify the host economy, he says the effective implementation of this imperative can be achieved only when progress is built on consistent quality and high standards.

Ensuring viability and longevity of mining projects in this way generates and shares value with supply chain and other stakeholders.

“This dedication to high standards applies to all aspects of mining, and even beyond mining to the many industrial and commercial developments that spring up as a result of mineral development,” concludes Jordaan.