DRC advances responsible cobalt mining with landmark ERG Africa–EGC partnership

On the sidelines of the prestigious Mining Indaba, a significant milestone was reached for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mining sector. In the presence of His Excellency Mr Louis Watum Kabamba, DRC Minister of Mines, Eurasian Resources Group in Africa (ERG Africa) and Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening sustainable and responsible artisanal cobalt mining in the DRC.

This forward-looking agreement forms part of a strong public-private partnership focused on enhancing the formalisation, professionalisation and accountability of artisanal and small-scale mining. Under the terms of the MoU, EGC will receive mining rights over an exploitation area owned by ERG Africa in Lualaba Province, a region central to global cobalt production.

Importantly, ERG Africa confirmed that none of its production originates from artisanal and small-scale mining and will not do so in the future. However, the company has committed to supporting sector formalisation alongside EGC, the Cobalt for Development Programme implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and local communities.

This collaboration recognises that artisanal mining plays a vital socio-economic role in the DRC. By formalising the sector within a clear legal framework, stakeholders aim to strengthen transparency across the cobalt supply chain while contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic development.

The pilot project under the MoU will establish a structured and controlled operating model designed to improve working conditions for artisanal miners and reduce risks associated with informal mining, including human rights concerns. It also seeks to enhance environmental protection, strengthen social cohesion in surrounding mining communities and ensure traceability and security of the cobalt supply chain in line with the vision of the Congolese Government.

The signing ceremony brought together key industry and government leaders including His Excellency Mr Louis Watum Kabamba, Mr Gino Buhendwa Ntale, Chairman of EGC’s Board of Directors, Mr Eric Kalala, Chief Executive Officer of EGC, and Mr Davron Vakhabov, Chief Executive Officer of ERG Africa.

Implementation will be carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Mines and regulatory bodies such as the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Markets and Strategic Substances, SEAMAPE and the 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 oversee day-to-day operations, and public consultations will be conducted with local communities and civil society to ensure transparency and inclusion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Davron Vakhabov, Chief Executive Officer of ERG Africa, stated, “At ERG Africa, we believe that legitimate artisanal mining plays an important socio-economic 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.”

Eric Kalala, Chief Executive Officer of EGC, emphasised, “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.”

During his keynote address, His Excellency Louis Watum Kabamba commended the initiative saying, “For the DRC, the solution is formalisation, not exclusion. Our approach is grounded in OECD-aligned due diligence, traceability, and responsible sourcing, while responding to the practical needs of battery manufacturers and OEMs for secure, ethical supply.

A central pillar of this strategy is Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (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.”

This initiative aligns fully with the priorities of His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the DRC, as well as the broader goals of the DRC Government and the Ministry of Mines in supporting a more formalised and transparent mining sector that delivers sustainable and inclusive growth.

As global demand for cobalt continues to rise, driven by electric vehicles, battery manufacturers and renewable energy technologies, this collaboration between ERG Africa and EGC positions the DRC at the forefront of responsible artisanal cobalt mining and sets a powerful example for ethical sourcing across the international supply chain.