While formalising artisanal mining is considered a challenge by most mining companies, especially those located in very remote countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the meaningful contribution that this makes to the economic livelihoods of thousands of informal workers is invaluable.
Regardless of the difficulties posed by training and educating local citizens to contribute meaningfully to a mining operation, it can be done successfully – and has been in the DRC.
Join DRC Mining Week and Mining Review Africa for a live panel discussion that will unpack the wins and aspirations for building a successful artisanal mining sector in the DRC and further afield.
Key discussion points will include:
- Why is it important to contribute towards helping to formalise the artisanal mining sector?
- The key steps and priority points to consider
- A successful case study in the DRC with copper/cobalt miner Chemaf
- The USAID’s commercially viable conflict-free gold project, originating in the DRC
- Dealing with artisanal mining in a COVID-19 world
PANEL
James Nicholson, Head of Corporate Responsibility | Trafigura
Nicholson is responsible for driving the Trafigura’s responsibility agenda worldwide. His focus has included developing the company’s leadership positon on transparency, responsible sourcing and stakeholder engagement.
Nicholson has led Trafigura’s efforts in pursuit of the responsible sourcing of metals and minerals and, more widely, the assimilation by Trafigura of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Stephanie Shumsky, Technical Manager, Mines to Markets Great Lakes Region | PACT
As technical manager for Pact’s Mines 2 Markets signature initiative, Shumsky works with corporate partners to assist mineral-dependent communities in the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa to gain lasting benefits from the more sustainable use of the natural resources around them.
She has more than 11 years of project management, sustainability communications and corporate social responsibility experience in the U.S., Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Senegal, Ecuador and Costa Rica.
Lazarre Potier, Deputy Chief of Party and DRC Country Manager | USAID
Lazarre is an international development expert with over 20 years of professional experience, over 10 of which has involved senior resident positions in sub-Saharan Africa. He offers broad understanding of economic and financial sector reform programming, including proven expertise in the design, implementation and evaluation of policy reform projects, particularly in the areas of energy, trade and access to finance.
George Heppel, Senior Analyst: Cobalt, Lithium & Battery Markets | CRU Group
Heppel is the editor for CRU’s cobalt, lithium and battery metal market services. His main analytical responsibilities involve looking at battery metal demand and pricing, and he is also responsible for CRU’s long-term automotive and electric vehicle forecasts.
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