The rapid expansion of the global electric vehicles (EV) market has heightened the demand for crucial African minerals such as cobalt, emphasizing the necessity for transparent and secure supply chains.
Glencore, a key player in the supply of battery minerals to major car manufacturers, is actively engaged in fostering successful partnerships between the automotive industry and mining companies.
Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently participated in a forum at the Mining Indaba, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration between car manufacturers and mining entities.
Glencore, operating in the DRC through Kamoto Copper Company and Mutanda Mining, plays a significant role in the production of copper and cobalt, essential resources for the energy transition.
Notably, the DRC accounted for 73% of the world’s mined cobalt production in 2022, according to the Cobalt Institute.
Kaninda emphasized the importance of transparency in fostering productive relationships between commodity companies and vehicle manufacturers to support the energy transition.
Glencore is committed to sourcing commodities ethically, ensuring respect for the rights of workers, local communities, and stakeholders across its supply chains.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations in the cobalt supply chain, Glencore maintains a strict stance against the use of ASM material in its DRC operations.
However, the company actively supports responsible sourcing initiatives and international organizations’ efforts to improve practices and mitigate human rights risks.
Glencore’s responsible sourcing approach encompasses social, ethical, and environmental considerations, including diligent supply chain due diligence and risk mitigation measures.
The company encourages transparency through site visits by supply chain representatives and actively participates in industry forums such as the Fair Cobalt Alliance and the Global Battery Alliance.
Looking ahead, Kaninda expressed a commitment to exploring opportunities for collaboration with car manufacturers to foster sustainable development in mining communities and surrounding ecosystems, underscoring Glencore’s dedication to responsible and impactful business practices.
L’expansion rapide du marché mondial des véhicules électriques (VE).
En tout cas, géré rigoureusement elle peut être une passerelle intergénérationnelle de transmission des excédents de ressources.
Mais, tout dépendra de la rigueur des hommes et femmes qui accèderont à la gouvernance de la politique Minière avant-gardiste de S.E Félix Tshisekedi, Président de la République Démocratique du Congo.
Bien plus, les populations pourraient effectivement profiter des richesses du sous-sol Congolais, si l’Etat fait de bons choix stratégiques pendant la signature des contrats des investissements extractifs, sous le magistère de S.E Félix Tshisekedi, Président de la République Démocratique du Congo.
Loin du souvenir de la (Belgisch-Kongo) à l’industrie florissante du caoutchouc devenue synonyme de mains coupées et loin du spectre d’une RDC, « un scandale géologique » qui souffre de la « malédiction des ressources ».
Ces choix stratégiques sont multiples et ont fait leurs preuves dans d’autres économies. Ce sont là, des niches que nous pourrions développer ultérieurement.
Paul Francis TONYE