Study "Economic and ESG impacts on the mining sector of the southeastern DRC related to Lobito Corridor development and the global energy transition"

The German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and the Congolese Ministry of Mines have been long-term partners within the bilateral development cooperation framework, seeking to support responsible mining practice and good governance, both in industrial as well as artisanal and small-scale mining. The current project phase (2024-2027), entitled “Economic development and responsible supply chains in the Congolese mining sector II”, includes a project component that focuses on supporting and advising Congolese partners on the topic of managing ESG (environment, social and governance) impacts in the industrial mining sector. The present study, commissioned by BGR as the Client, shall fulfil a supporting role in this regard while also providing relevant background information. The objective of this study is to perform a systematic evaluation of the anticipated or already observed economic and ESG impacts on the mining sector related to (1) Lobito Corridor development and (2) market trends and market requirements in association with the global energy transition. The implicit purpose of this study is to provide advice to the Client’s Congolese project partners on relevant international developments in this regard and what this implies for national mining sector ESG performance. This shall support effective policy development and mining sector governance with a view to broadening global market demand for Congolese raw materials and associated manufactured products by improving and marketing their associated ESG performance features. The study may further be useful to a broader public audience that includes mining sector stakeholders, public and private prospective investors, financing parties, interested offtakers and downstream industries associated with Congolese raw materials, as well as development partners and civil society.