Swiss mining giant Glencore has introduced the ProAc project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aiming to foster economic diversification, financial inclusion, and food security in the region. This initiative, part of Glencore’s broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, will focus on providing financial support and skills training to local communities within the agri-food sector. The goal is to ensure that the DRC’s mineral wealth translates into tangible benefits for local development, infrastructure improvement and workforce advancement.
In alignment with its commitment to the DRC’s economic progress, Glencore will be participating in the 2024 Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit. Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore in the DRC and Chairman of Kamoto Copper Company (KCC)—a joint venture between Glencore and Gecamines—will speak at the event. Kaninda is set to share her expertise during the Leaders Forum panel titled “Innovation in a New Era of African Mining,” which will delve into emerging trends in the African mining sector.
Glencore is intensifying its investments to add value to the DRC’s critical minerals sector and create employment opportunities through substantial midstream investments and projects in both greenfield and brownfield areas. In 2022, the company resumed operations at its Mutanda Mine, with plans to increase production to 5,000 metric tons starting in 2024. Additionally, Glencore unveiled a multi-year $8 billion investment package in 2021 to enhance activities at various DRC projects, including the KOV and Mashimba East Mines, the KTC Mines, and the Luilu Refinery.
Kaninda will highlight Glencore’s strategic investments and their role in meeting the growing global demand for critical minerals. As the world’s leading cobalt producer and Africa’s largest copper miner, the DRC is poised to play a significant role in the global energy transition, thanks in part to Glencore’s ongoing efforts and investments in the region.
