DRC: DRC’s New President an ‘Unknown Factor’ as Far as Mining Is Concerned

Feb 8, 2019 | Rebecca Campbell, Mining Weekly
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Félix Tshisekedi’s inauguration on January 24 marked the first peaceful transition of power in the DRC for 60 years. As far as the mining industry is concerned, Tshisekedi is an unknown factor. His party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, has traditionally supported a stronger State role in mining, but, while campaigning, he said he would re-examine the 2018 mining code. However, with their majority in the National Assembly, the pro-Kabila political parties have the right to choose the Prime Minister. And some observers believe that the increased taxes and royalties that have been imposed on the mining companies are too popular to be reversed. The DRC remains one of the tougher places for miners to work in.