DRC stakeholders push for reforms to improve conditions for artisanal miners amid

Kinshasa April 5, 2026 - A political discussion held in Kinshasa has highlighted the precarious conditions faced by artisanal miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for urgent reforms to improve governance, safety, and transparency in the sector. Organized on April 2 by the DRC Political Scientists’ Network (Dypol) in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), the meeting brought together policymakers, civil society actors, and mining sector experts to examine challenges affecting artisanal mining communities. Participants noted that despite its major contribution to the national economy and livelihoods of millions, the artisanal mining sector remains characterized by informal operations, weak regulation, unsafe working conditions, child labor risks, and gender inequality. Speaking after the discussions, Dypol national coordinator Christian Moleka stressed the need for a revised mining code that clearly defines the role of artisanal mining and strengthens oversight mechanisms to improve safety and transparency across supply chains. He emphasized that artisanal miners are often the most vulnerable actors in a value chain that generates significant revenues, yet they remain marginalized and exposed to frequent accidents and poor working conditions. Representatives of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation highlighted the importance of promoting more inclusive and sustainable mining governance, where artisanal mining can contribute to long-term development rather than persistent precarity. Journalist Flore Kayala, who specializes in mining issues, drew attention to the economic role of women in the sector, noting that they remain underrepresented and face limited access to financing and cooperative leadership structures dominated by men. She called for inclusive policies and better financial support mechanisms to enable women to participate more actively in mining activities and benefit from sector revenues. The meeting is expected to produce a roadmap aimed at improving coordination between government institutions, civil society, mining companies, and artisanal miners to promote safer, more transparent, and more equitable mining practices in the DRC. Social and Health