DRC needs mining-related skills development

With the growing global interest in cobalt and copper, the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) needs to focus on developing specialised mining-related skills.

As a member of the DRC Mining Week conference panel discussion on the impact of the mining code on skills development and local subcontracting in mining, Susa Maleba, SRK’s DRC country manager, said: “The DRC needs to update its curriculum at universities and also at schools.

More technical programmes for unskilled workers, conducted in collaboration with mining companies, were also required. The current construction of cobalt processing facilities at some mines indicated future opportunities, while exploration projects were also picking up.

There was definite interest in the DRC, especially with increased global demand for cobalt – despite some uncertainty about the effect of the country’s new mining code. The mining community appeared full of hope that mining in the area could grow significantly in the coming years, with interest not only from SADC countries, but also from Europe, the US, China and Australasia.