The mining sector has long been one of the mainstays of the DRC’s economy. Considering this reality, the Greater Katanga comprises several mining stakes with various mineral exploitation and processing industries in DR Congo.

Amended in 2018, Article 14 of Law n°18/001 on the Mining Code in the DRC provides for the introduction of specifications for mining companies about their social responsibility towards local populations.

Target Sarl surveyed from the 11th to the 25^th may a sample of 1. 200 people in the 4 provincial capitals of Greater Katanga. The company looked at how mining companies are perceived by the local population, addressing several themes: the social problems facing local communities, the contribution of mining companies to improving the quality of life of local communities, the reputation of mining companies, the population's opinion of the extractive practices of mining companies operating in their provinces, and the population's expectations of these companies.

The aforementioned study aimed to identify the best mining company in terms of contribution to the following aspects: increasing the provincial budget, improving the quality of infrastructure, creating jobs for young people, respecting the environment, and creating business opportunities for local companies. 

The survey results show that the contribution of mining companies to improving local communities quality of life is not satisfactory in all provinces of Greater Katanga.

The highest dissatisfaction scores are in Lubumbashi (67%) and Kalemie (66%), compared with 63% in Kolwezi and 52% in Kamina. Men (69%) were much more likely to be dissatisfied with the contribution of mining companies, as were adults aged 25 and over (64% dissatisfied among 25-34 year-olds, 66% dissatisfied among 35-49 year-olds, and those aged 50 and over).

Considering the results for all 4 provinces, mining companies should work on their image and also invest in the development of local communities, to improve their image and facilitate the flat running of their activities by securing the support of the local population.

Please, email us at info@target-sarl.cd to request the full study.