Global diversified natural resources company Glencore, which produces copper and cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has affirmed the company’s commitment to the region and country ahead of the DRC Mining Week Expo and Conference, in Lubumbashi, from June 14 to 16.

“We are pleased to once again support DRC Mining Week. In the spirit of this year’s theme ‘Recognising DRC Mining’s Triumphs and Victories’, we are looking forward to engaging with delegates and representatives from across the globe to discuss ways to continue developing the DRC as one of the world’s mining hubs whilst supporting responsible environmental and social stewardship,” says Glencore Copper Africa head Clint Donkin.

“We are encouraged by the optimistic outlook for our copper- and cobalt-producing industrial assets in the DRC. We believe our diversified business model, coupled with our focus on transition metals puts us in a good position to help meet the resource needs of the future as well as navigate challenges that may arise,” he adds.

As part of Glencore's ongoing efforts to engage with its key stakeholders, the company will host part of the Cobalt Institute field trip following DRC Mining Week.

“We welcome our stakeholders to come and visit our industrial assets as well as the communities we work with to experience the good work done locally for themselves,” says Donkin.

“The DRC is a country full of opportunities. Its mining wealth is estimated at over $20-trillion, and it is one of the most important copper and cobalt producers, both of which are important metals to support the transition to a decarbonised global economy.

‘Across the business, Glencore is prioritising investment in metals that support a low-carbon future and so we welcome the opportunity that DRC Mining Week offers to hear from the industry as a whole on the growth of DRC’s critical mineral sector,” says Glencore DRC president Marie-Chantal Kaninda.

“The DRC and Glencore are in a position to contribute to the solutions required to support the global ambition to decarbonise and we look forward to exploring these with peers and industry stakeholders at DRC Mining Week,” she adds.

At the end of 2022, Glencore’s operations, Kamoto Copper Company and Mutanda Mining, together employed more than 8 700 people and 7 650 contractors, with 98% of employees being DRC nationals.