DRC: Mining Sector CSR: Responsible Returns in a Warm Investment Climate

Sep 22, 2014 | Joseph Kirschke, Insurance News Net
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In January, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Mining Minister Martin Kabwelulu asked mining companies to cease expansions amid a severe electricity shortfall. "We'll spend the year trying to address the problem," he said; as one of Africa's most unstable, poor and corrupt nations, the DRC is also the world's top source of cobalt and sixth-largest producer of copper. In Australia, 7,900 miles away, meanwhile, a public-private partnership met the same problem with a different approach: a $23.4 million, 6.7-megawatt solar farm for a Rio Tinto bauxite mine-reducing carbon emissions 1,600 tons annually, while supplying energy to a nearby community.