DRC: Congo Mine Closures Would Cause Economic and Social Crisis, Minister Says

Apr 17, 2020 | Helen Reid and Hereward Holland, Reuters
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Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining minister warned mine shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic would trigger a “catastrophic” economic and social crisis in the country, as he reported a 15% slump in cobalt exports in the first quarter. Congo, the world’s biggest producer of cobalt, is highly reliant on mining, with the industry contributing 32% of its GDP and 95% of export revenue in 2018, according to the central bank.