Theme: Ensuring Accountability In The Supply Chain Of Critical Minerals In The Democratic Republic Of Congo

SARW is coordinating preparations for the upcoming 9th Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) – DRC Edition, taking place from 29 to 31 October 2025 in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. This year’s AMI will centre on community rights in the critical minerals sector, with thematic sessions covering revenue sharing, industrialisation, responsible sourcing, and just transition.

The event will place a significant focus on assessing the implementation of benefit-sharing frameworks outlined in the DRC’s revised mining code. Discussions will interrogate whether current legal and institutional mechanisms adequately capture the benefits of critical mineral exploitation for local communities. To inform these conversations, organisers will commission pre-AMI studies to evaluate frameworks such as:

• The 14% share of mining royalties allocated to Decentralised Territorial Entities (ETDs);

• The 0.3% of annual turnover required from mining companies; and

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) specifications.

These revenue streams were designed to promote local development in mining areas, yet many communities continue to experience underdevelopment. The AMI will explore the reasons behind this disconnect and identify pathways for change.

Other key topics will include:

• The DRC’s strategic positioning within the global energy transition;

• Geopolitical factors influencing mineral governance, including security-for-mineral deals and infrastructure-for-minerals agreements;

• The impact of war and conflict on illicit mineral trade; and

• The formalisation of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector.

The AMI DRC 2025 is being co-organised by SARW, the Carter Centre, AFRIWatch, CNKTD, Resource Matters, and other partners. Approximately 150 delegates are expected to participate from across the DRC.