Kinshasa, DRC — Lawmakers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are turning up the pressure on mining companies in Walikale, one of the country’s richest yet most troubled mineral zones. In recent talks with the Mining Cadastre (CAMI), parliamentarians demanded stricter enforcement of the 2018 Mining Code to address widespread non-compliance and protect national interests.
The delegation, led by national deputy Michel Moto, raised alarm over companies operating outside legal and regulatory frameworks, often using outdated or informal methods to exploit Walikale’s vast deposits of tin, coltan, and gold. They called for tougher oversight to ensure responsible mining that delivers real benefits to both the state and local communities.
CAMI Director General Popol Mabolia Yenga welcomed the parliamentary push, pledging stronger governance and urging closer involvement of the National Assembly in monitoring compliance. “Robust oversight is essential to safeguarding our resources and ensuring that mining wealth contributes to national development,” he stressed.
Walikale is home to the Bisie mine, one of the world’s top tin producers, run by Canadian-listed Alphamin Resources. In 2024, Bisie produced around 17,300 tonnes of tin concentrate—about 6% of global supply. But the region’s potential is hampered by insecurity. Earlier this year, Alphamin was forced to suspend operations when M23 rebels advanced into the area, disrupting local economies. Mining only resumed after armed groups withdrew in April 2025.
The Walikale concerns form part of CAMI’s broader campaign to strengthen accountability across the DRC’s mining sector. Recent measures include:
- Recovering 31,000 km² of mining territory in July 2025 through cadastral consolidation.
- Enforcing payment of surface rights under the Mining Code, with sanctions threatened for non-compliance.
- Calling for greater sovereignty over strategic minerals like copper and cobalt, amid concerns about excessive foreign control.
Together, these actions signal a renewed effort to bring order and transparency to one of the world’s most resource-rich mining jurisdictions—balancing investment opportunities with national sovereignty and sustainable community development.