DRC natural resources review press of Friday, May 31, 2013

"Minaku ordered to deliver Kabwelulu within 48 hours," it's with this title that the biweekly Congo News reports that "here is more than two weeks since the no confidence motion against Germain KAMBINGA the Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu, has not been subject to review by the Plenary of National Assembly. For a motion on May 13 at the office of the National Assembly with acknowledgment to the support, the members ought to debate and vote the fate of the minister arrested within 48 hours as required by the rules. According to the signatories of the motion, the burdens of various kinds have that Aubin Minaku froze to put the issue on the agenda . Some even speak of pressure from the Palace of the Nation, arguing that they have heard closer to Minaku ". The signatories believe that "if Minaku has not done in 48 hours, is that it seeks to cover the Mafia a minister of the most corrupt."

The same Congo News states that "mining giant and giant humanitarian TFM pushed the waterborne disease in Katanga" and explains that some rural communities, including Tenke and Fungurume area of ​​operation of the giant TFM, have nothing to envy the major urban areas of the DRC. With a supply of more than 2 million 300 liters of drinking water per day in its rural communities, will be green with envy cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi where some neighborhoods remain several weeks or months deprived of the precious liquid. Consequently, diarrheal diseases, which mow down young children for the most part, a thing of the past.

In another subject, the newspaper the Potentiel reports "the serie Huachin Mining: the ONGDH a Kind" and indicates that about the case of the company "Huaching Mining" associations human rights s 'in the mix and vigorously denounced by a letter from the Congolese Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH association) with respect to: "A Maffio-judicial cabal and denial of justice against the company Huaching MiniG". The newspaper published the entire letter.

For its part, the newspaper L'Avenir announces that "the National Assembly, members vote article by article the bill on the Conservation of Nature and indicates that after its referral to the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources be careful, the bill on the Conservation of Nature is examined section by section with amendments adopted yesterday at the National Assembly. This is a bill that contains 75 articles, 15 of which have only been examined During the plenary yesterday.The daily notes that several amendments were made in connection with the terms and definitions in this field. It should be noted for example that some amendments related to the conservation of nature instead of forest conservation. Nature integrates biotic aspects, that is to say, living and abiotic nonliving aspects integrating other elements to broaden the scope for conservation. For example, habitat loss, desertification and climate change should be added that the Commission is limited to deforestation.

On the same issue, the newspaper Forum des AS notes that the draft law on nature conservation defines the conditions for access to biological resources in the DRC.

DRC natural resources review press of Thursday, May 30, 2013

The  newspaper the Potentiel talks about the Walikale "mining jungle" in North Kivu and echoes of denunciation of observation Consultancy and coordination for the development of Walikale (BEDEWA). According to this Congolese NGO, "the plunder of mineral resources in full swing in Walikale. Trafficking ore feed not only the war in eastern Congo, but" rot "also the central state. BEDEWA calls on the authorities Congolese to "stop distributing mining concessions with complacency."

For its part, the Forum des As newspaper announces the 2nd Fair of the green economy and that the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism organizes this activity from 4 to 8 June at the Botanical Garden Kinshasa, on the theme "Entrepreneurship, Innovation and social Inclusions". The daily said that the Fair Green Economy is a meeting between all the actors of the national life and people to talk sustainability concrete and practical manner by the "green economy" approach.

On the issue of maritime services in the DRC, the Forum des As newspaper reports that the Office of Management multimodal freight (Ogefrem) and petroleum carriers agree on the rule of law. According to the newspaper, oil carriers and Ogefrem will now walk together to enforce the law. They found a compromise through a contract of adhesion. This implies that they will pay the refundable deposit at the end of the sealift ship and pay the commission intervention Ogefrem. This is about enforcing the law for ships carrying petroleum products are Congolese maritime services.

DRC natural resources review press of Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Phare newspaper speaking about Mines, states that " KAMBINGA rips the boa" and noted that "initiated by the Honourable Germain KAMBINGA (national deputy MLC) on 10 May 2013 and signed by fifty-one members of national parliaments, the motion of defiance against the Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu, which was filed in the office of President of the National Assembly, 13 May 2013 and registered under number 2423, remains relevant. And the Minister is required to this constitutional obligation.What's wrong one to the Minister of Mines? On this issue, the tabloid says,. "There prevarication that he displays in the performance of his duties since his appointment in 2007 In his argument, the questioner on the observation that the mining potential of the DRC who her a geological scandal. Alas, this contrasts with the low contribution of this sector in national development and especially its scarcity in the state budget. Unlike the Customs and Excise that power for more than half the State resources. Cases of state budgets in 2012 and 2013. "This indicates, according to the questioner, the manifesto of a proactive policy can boost the mining sector and increase state revenues absence. Yet the sisterly and friendly countries such as the Republic of Congo, Angola and Gabon that nature has not equipped with natural resources such as the DRC have their mining contribute up to roughly 70% of their budgets . It is understandable therefore that the mining policy proactive financial boom could offer the DRC.

In the same register, and the Minister of Mines could say a word, www.cern-cenco.cd, the site of the Episcopal Commission for Natural Resources (CERN), echoes the problems of priest Catholic Mission Sainte-Marie Mai Munene Father David Kabasele, Western Kasai. This indicates that "manufacturers have taken 2/3 of the mission." The father said that "the mission was founded in December 1919 by Father Achille De Münster with approximately 34 km2.'s Mission is in the diocese of Luebo".
 Have not crossed his arms in the interview he gave to this site it says: "As a local official, I met the head of Namankwa who told us that the Congolese government had a legal document conceding the field and allowing it to use. The question I was asked if I owned a land title, I said yes. And the collective of lawyers Namankwa told me to present the voice of their spokesman Pierre Dieudonné. All this was done without success mas ".For now, this issue has stalled because the priest does not know how to negotiate contact now. "We do not know what to say because operator in 2008 is Namankwa who worked for four years. Namankwa sold the company to Global Company that has not worked. Latter then sold Kumpala Vision that n ' has not yet begun. And workers are in a seemingly uncertain waiting. "

Citing a study by WWF, Radio Okapi reported that "the Central African elephants are endangered." According to the radio, "two-thirds of elephants have disappeared in recent years in the DRC. Responsible for communication protected World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) species, Jules Caron, stated during the conference sustainable forest management in Central Africa, held in Yaoundé (Cameroon) last week. Based on the results of a study conducted by WWF, he demonstrated that the elephant of the Congo Basin have become an endangered species in due to poaching in the region. "In this study 10 months ago by the World Wildlife Fund, these protected species will disappear in the coming years if nothing is done to reverse the trend

Radio Okapi reported that Isangi, the creation of small industries fosters lower prices and indicates that less than six months, five micro-industries were created Isangi, according to a report Monday, May 27 by the Territorial Service small and medium enterprises of the city located 125 kilometers from Kisangani (Eastern Province). These small companies specializing in the manufacture of soaps, vegetable and other commodities have resulted in lower oil prices in the market.

The Congolese News Agency (ACP) announces that CRONGD-Kinshasa to fight against the dumping of industrial waste into the rivers Pool Malebo. According to the agency, the Regional Council NGDO Kinshasa is committed to fight against the dumping of waste in the rivers Pool Malebo by industries and household thus pollute the water used by the population in some neighborhoods of Kinshasa. Ideally, this drink is previously subjected to a treatment for purification. This waste water is a health hazard of Kinshasa thus live under the constant threat of contamination of infectious diseases and other poisonings. So, to stop the evil before the worst happens, the CRONDG established a quarterly program to sensitize the authorities, industry and the general public to engage in a synergy of actions to protect the environment.

For its part, the newspaper the Observateur gives a warning stating "Pic of intense heat, drought, decreased river waters: Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Matadi, Angola ... under the influence of climate change". According to scientists from the Congolese Institute for scientific and environmental studies based in Brazzaville, the paper notes, global warming could be responsible for the peak of intense heat, heavy rains and thunderstorms known that the Kinshasa region and Brazzaville in recent months. This phenomenon has been observed since 2011. Experts say that 2011 was one of the hottest years of the last fifty years. "The region has reached Kinshasa, for example ranging between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius during the months of November, December 2011 and January 2012, with a scarcity of rains temperatures. Unheard of for many years, "said Kevin Ndongala of the Congolese Institute for Strategic and environmental studies.

DRC natural resources review press of Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The newspaper L'Avenir announces that the approach of June, the government reported on the major macroeconomic aggregates and reports that Prime Minister Matata Ponyo yesterday held a meeting of the Strategic Troika. It was attended by the new Governor of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), Mr. Mutombo Déogratias Mwana Nyembo. Invited to make restitution to the press, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Budget, Daniel Mukoko said it is the first regular meeting of the Troika which takes part the Governor of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). It is a meeting that was essentially macro-economic.According to the latest publication of the Barometer of the Central Bank, the paper notes, there is a downward trend of increased activity in the manufacturing and mining sector. Daniel Mukoko admitted that in April, compared to March and February, there was a fairly significant drop in the gross balance in favor. But he replied, we are encouraged to see that the situation is improving because the latest figures we looked this morning of May show that there is an increase of 2.1 points. This means that the trust is reborn in the private sectorThe newspaper said that despite the erosion of trust in the sectors of manufacturing, mining and construction, it is important to note that the evolution of the gross overall synthetic curve above the threshold of 5.0% is deemed suitable to witness the continued dynamism of economic activity in the country since last September.

For its part, the Observateur newspaper talks about the need to revise the Forest Code because too much wood illegally cut and stresses that second international forest by area after the Amazon, the rainforest is experiencing a worrying operating in its part located in the DRC.According to the newspaper, this concern stems from the fact of non-compliance with the Forest Code by companies engaged in the timber industry and the recklessness of governments that do not measure the extent of the danger that it poses to humanity without landowners residing in sites operated, not shoot, yet large profit.Worse, reforestation, seems to be the least of worries for large operators who have no interest in the timber, they export or as boards or processed form, raw, logs. And it is every day that the Congolese timber is transported to the eastern and western markets.

The Potentiel newspaper indicates that with the actions taken by Perenco oil activity rhythm social progress in the territory of Muanda and notes that the inauguration of the new administrative building of the territory of Muanda and the launch of the pilot agroforestry on the set of Yema confirm the strong involvement of the oil company in social projects implemented in Muanda, Bas-Congo

DRC natural resources press review of Monday, May 27, 2013

The "Chinese contracts" totaled five. Many newspapers have echoed the press conference held on the subject by Moses Ekanga, executive secretary of the office of coordination and monitoring of the Sino-Congolese program. Le Phare newspaper, referring to the balance sheet and prospects for these contracts written. "Five years ago, were signed what would appear to mortal eyes as" Chinese Contracts "But ultimately, this will that a cooperation project between Chinese companies and the government of the DRC. Under the combined IMF and World Bank pressure, the financing of these contracts would experience a substantial revision of half from 6-3000000000 dollars U.S.. Meanwhile, the reserves of minerals have also declined sharply, because instead of ten million tons of copper as assessed at the start, they finally passed 6.8 million. "

For its part,  la Prospérité newspaper points out that Moïse Ekanga ruled, because he said:'' We never sold the country to China'' and added: "And then, the Chinese contracts do not exist. By cons, he insisted, there is a cooperation agreement in two parts:.. infrastructure and mining In his view, the Sino-Congolese program is progressing well Basically, Ekanga said that this cooperation agreement provides complimentary perspectives in 2015. The tabloid says that after resizing the Mining Project at the initiative of the DRC, the first tonne of copper produced by Sicomines is expected in 2015 and not, as originally scheduled in 2017. Project Cooperation will then reach its cruising speed in terms of investment and infrastructure, and possibly lead to obtaining a new credit line, according to the results of the mining project. be seen, the performance Perfect Project omen already the most beautiful prospects for the development of infrastructure, improving our mining revenue and beyond, the reconstruction of the DRC and improving the well-being of the population. "

For the newspaper L'Avenir, despite the good faith of the parties in the execution of the collaboration agreement, some difficulties have slowed the pace of implementation of the project. It is the financial crash occurred in 2008 and its adverse effects on the prices of minerals, the long time taken by the relevant Chinese institutions to approve the feasibility study, the long time lag between the first disbursement (January 2009) and the start of production (end of 2015), the delay in the adoption of the law on tax, customs and foreign exchange regime to secure the cooperation project and the energy deficit observed in the project area (Kolwezi).

Despite these difficulties, the daily newspaper thinks, it must be said that since the signing of the Convention and despite the pitfalls, the proposed Sino-Congolese cooperation has already garnered several projects, mainly part of the development of public and community infrastructure. With 118 million loan from Exim Bank, the Congo was able to finance the second phase of infrastructure works such as Boulevard du 30 Juin (lot 2), and Sendwe Triumphal Boulevard, Esplanade Hall of the People, the acquisition a production unit for prefabricated housing component, the acquisition of generators to increase the rate of access to electricity in some capitals of the provinces and the acquisition of solar poles for public lighting in some capitals territories.

 On another note, Radio Okapi reported in Katanga, the soldiers of the Republican Guard (GR) control five mineral deposits in eight mining facilities Mulungwishi, 150 kilometers from Lubumbashi (Katanga). Ll'inspecteur division This mining post Banze Kitoko complained Sunday, May 26. In an interview with Radio Okapi, the division inspector said that the military prevented its services to collect taxes allocated to the State of the products stored in depots under their control.

Radio Okapi reported that even artisanal miners demanded the revision of the Forest Code and indicates that the Congolese artisanal loggers Association (AFCEA), said Thursday, May 23, during a forum it organized in Kinshasa the current Congolese legislation constitutes an obstacle to the promotion of small-scale logging in the country.
 "Although forests represent 60% of all those in the Congo Basin, the annual production of the DRC does not even reach 500,000 m3, while other countries are up to 1.2 million," regretted the President of AFCEA, Jean Wabangawa, the radio reported.

DRC natural resources review press of Friday, May 24, 2013

Bruno Kapandji Kalala, Minister of Water Resources and Electric responded to the préoccupations of senators yesterday Thursday, May 23, 2013. Some newspapers have returned to his intervention. The newspaper l'Avenir reported that the for Bruno Kapandji, the Government's objective is to double the access to electricity, to this end, the Government has the ambition to "double the rate of access to means term to do from 9 to 18%, and increase the number of households served by electricity throughout the country. and, over a period of five years. "

For its part, the newspaper l'Observateur notes that in response to a question from a senator, the Minister said that "the construction of the dam Kakobola, located in the territory of Gungu in the province of Bandundu, advance normally, but last minute change, it will be inaugurated March 20, 2014. "It will have an installed capacity of 10.5 megawatts. In the process, the Minister also informed that the dam Zongo 2 with a capacity of 150 megawatts will be operational in December 2015. Dam Katende will be inaugurated in March 2016, has a capacity of 64 megawatts, and the second Inga-Kinshasa line with a capacity of 1200 MW will be inaugurated in March 2014.

The same newspaper said that according to the Minister, the Congolese people access to electricity today capped at 9%, only 7 million of preferred over an estimated 75 million people population

DRC natural resources review press of Thursday, May 23, 2013

The press today is poor about information on natural resources. However, Radio Okapi reported the production of coltan and cassiterite is down in the craft careers territory of Manono, Katanga. Sources on site attribute this to the prevailing insecurity in this part of the province of Katanga, a prey to armed groups. The four mining companies MMR, Chemaf Minaf, Ceprodev and Coomitu Cooperative operating mines in this area don't count on the local production of three careers Manono-center. According to the radio, it is the "Dragon" career that has produced 20 tons of cassiterite and coltan 40, Ngobo career that produced ten tons of cassiterite and coltan and seven career of Djibende provided 20 tons of cassiterite and coltan 3. The radio reported that the large-scale production of cassiterite, coltan and Wolfarmite comes from sectors Katonge and Kiyambi east of Manono and Luvua and Nyemba north.
The radio also said that the decline of the price of minerals including cassiterite kilogram increased from 7,000 Congolese francs (5, 8 USD) 5,000 Congolese francs (5, 5 USD) also discourages artisanal miners in Manono who prefer to migrate to Malemba Nkulu, 700 km from Lubumbashi.

For his part, the Potentiel newspaper reports that there have been significant advances are recorded in the process of actual operationalization of the Okapi Trust Fund seven directors on the nine and a recording fund timing are the main conclusions of the 11th session.

DRC natural resource review press of Wednesday; May 22, 2013

The newspaper le Potentiel returns on Congolese timber seized in Antwerp and reports that civil society organizations working in the environmental sector say indignant about the behavior of the Kingdom of Belgium in relation to the release of the cargo timber from Afromosia DRC and seized the port of Antwerp (Belgium). In a letter to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium last Tuesday, May 21, an environmental NGO group qualify this decision by the Belgian government rushed.

On another issue, the newspaper l'Avenir reported the held of the 11th meeting of the Steering Committee (PSC) of the Okapi Fund held yesterday circle French, in Kinshasa, according to the newspaper, the Steering Committee had registered at its February plenary, key points to his agenda: the status of essential reforms to ICCN, the progress of the development process of the Operations Manual Okapi Fund , the examination of the draft Statutes of Okapi Fund; review process for appointing members of the Board of Directors as well as the examination of the schedule of activities. On the same subject, the newspaper le Phare said that the Okapi Fund is a program of German-Congolese cooperation to support biodiversity and sustainable forest management and believes that this program is timely gestation for the DRC since forests must be put at the service of the economy and development.
For its part, the newspaper le Potentiel announced that the Minister of Water Resources and Electricity has, during the plenary yesterday Tuesday, May 21 in the Senate, presented the structure of the draft law on the electricity sector in DRC after its adoption by the National Assembly. For its part, the newspaper Forum des As emphasized that elected officials have all shown to be neither more nor less than the privatization of the electricity sector to be opened to private even if the text came from government not clearly stated. But the truth of the privatization induced price will practice each operator in the sector. This means that prices will collapse, operators not to the interests of the population, but their own profit.Forum des As informed that the DRC has set up a project to strengthen the capacity of public and private stakeholders in the country in the process of climate change. This project aims, particularly the identification and formulation of appropriate national mitigation actions (NAMAs) of greenhouse gas emissions. It also aims to develop the most promising ideas and priorities for reducing emissions of greenhouse gas emissions. It is apparent, the paper notes, the sensitization workshop on nationally appropriate mitigation of greenhouse gas greenhouse and the establishment of two thematic working groups on energy and agriculture
In the same register, the tri-weekly AfricaNews indicates that the World Bank plans to the $ 50 million package to support the efforts of the countries of the Congo basin and that in order to enable them to organize the future mechanism Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from deforestation and forest degradation, REDD + -. In the same vein all these countries also have the support of the Partnership Fund for the forest-carbon-FCPF

DRC natural resources review press of Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Radio Okapi reported that the mining company Banro was disappointed by the low monthly gold production. Citing its president Martin Jones, the radio says "the mining company Banro Congo Mining has not yet reached the expected level of annual production
 since its installation Twangiza South Kivu. Its plant is expected to produce 120,000 ounces of gold per year, or 10,000 ounces per month, but its monthly production is currently from 6 000 to 7 000 ounces. ""It is a disappointment given the plans we had initially," said Monday, May 20 in Bukavu, Martin Jones, in presenting his report on activities in 2013. This report is entitled "Banro contribution to socio-economic development in the DRC." The head of Banro did not advance the reasons for the low production but said that his company multiplies efforts to achieve its objectives.
 Radio Okapi also reported that "buried in the earth body after a landslide that occurred last Thursday at the mine site of artisanal miners called" Nkoy "in Rubaya in North Kivu are not yet extracted. Civil society in the province deplored this Sunday, May 19. She thinks that government officials do not make this issue an emergency"."We are informed that the number of victims would be more than 100 people. But we realize at the same time, efforts to retrieve the bodies trampled, and that is why we call on the speed from the provincial and central government, that after we can no longer identify the body and it will be difficult to bury them with honor and dignity, "said the spokesman of the civil society in North Kivu, Omar Kavota.
According to the UN radio, an artificial cliff about 20 meters deep and several hundred meters wide collapsed Thursday, May 16th in the morning. It was created by artisanal miners coltan. Several people died in the accident. Only forty of them have been buried so far.The assistant director of Masisi Sukisa Nyambaje says that the territory has no means for extracting the body of such a large mass of rocks that cover. During the special security meeting held Saturday, May 18 in Goma, the provincial government promised on Tuesday to send a technical team to Rubaya to study the issue.
 UN radio also announced that "several dozen soldiers were evacuated last week of a mining career in the state office of Baye in Bondo territory (Eastern Province). This decision was taken by the mission to secure joint investigation provincial government and command of the 9th Military Region after the murder, Monday, May 6, two miners in a hole with a golden career. The murder was committed by the Congolese military. "Most military said they often find themselves in mining focuses on order of hierarchy. Others, against, assured that these are the managers of mines that use them. Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, Pascal Mombi said a fun room will be held next week in Baye to punish the perpetrators of the murders in this mining career.

On another note, the daily le Phare, speaking about Inga III, informs that the "first sod should be given, unless something unexpected in October 2015"

DRC natural resources review press of Monday, May 20, 2013

About the fall of metal prices on world markets, the newspaper le Phare stresses that "mining in the Congo in anxiety" and notes that "responsible of mining company in the DRC, on May, are concerned for two reasons. Not only have they followed in April, metal prices on world markets have experienced a significant decline, but that the DRC temporarily suspended Initiative for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) still stammers to regularize his case. Where a cyclical weakening in mining testifying maintaining a gross balance of opinions to 10.6% in April, down from 20% in March. "

On another issue, the newspaper  lePotentiel speaks of "Confusion around the Grand Inga project" to indicate that "it is in Paris, far from Kinshasa, the government has chosen to conclude this past weekend, the agreement to implement the Grand Inga hydroelectric project. Without fanfare. " And the daily wonders: "Why is the government he plays secretive Are there interests that the signatories would not want to reveal to the public Bearer high hopes for both the DRC and for the whole? Africa, the Grand Inga project still swimming in confusion and finish, could disappoint. "
 According to the source (note Belgian agency Belga), the paper said, "with a production of 40,000 MW, the Grand Inga project will provide electricity to run half of the African continent." However, the project in its first named Inga 3 Lower Chute, will produce 4,800 MW. The final release notes in stride "Through these cooperative agreements, South Africa plans to buy a significant share of electricity production of the new dam, thus asserting itself as a key partner." What to say? The partners say "South Africa and take 2 500 MW of 4800 MW power plant of the future Inga 3 Lower Chute, thereby becoming the buyer reference."
For the implementation of this mega project, a giant consortium meets the DRC, South Africa, Spain and China, under the auspices of the World Bank (WB), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). EDF and GDF Suez firms are involved in the project for all aspects of engineering.
Belga reported that three groups participate as candidates in the competitive selection process developer: Chinese Sinohydro and Three Gorges Corporation, operators of China's Three Gorges Dam, the Spanish Actividades de Construcción y Servicios (ACS), and Eurofinsa EEA, and the Korean-Canadian Daewoo, Posco and SNC Lavalin.
In the first phase of its implementation, Inga 3 should therefore be added to the two existing dams, Inga (Inga 1 and 2). According to estimates, Grand Inga, this gigantic hydroelectric project could provide 40% of electricity in Africa. The power of 40,000 megawatts expected ultimately could cost Usd 80 billion. The Grand Inga project will be of a size almost twice the Three Gorges Dam located on the Yangtze River in China - the largest hydroelectric project in service in the world.

In the same vein, the newspaper le Phare asks: "Dam Katende: Where is the money?" and notes that "convinced that the dam Katende was not just made an announcement during the election period to solicit votes from kassaien people in 2006 and 2011, the member of the Union for the Congolese Nation Lubaya Claudel, in its oral question with debate to the Minister of Water Resources and Electricity, Bruno Kapanji denounced multiplicities poses the first stone by the President of the Republic. During the plenary on Wednesday 15 May, André Claudel has Lubaya demonstrated point by point the inconsistencies in the timing of government work on the dam Katende, which result in him embarrassment to this project. "

The same paper discusses the "block of funding five projects" and citing Minister Lambert Mende, announces that "Eximbank has not withdrawn from the Sino-Congolese partnership." The newspaper reported that "in response to the information relayed by the print media in Kinshasa showing the withdrawal of the Chinese bank Eximbank financing program infrastructure within five yards." The tabloid states that "the Minister noted Eximbank is not in direct partnership with the Congolese government. Rather, the finance group of companies who signed the partnership with the DRC as part of the construction of infrastructure. Before announcing that to date, the funding made by the bank in this context amounts to 750 million U.S. dollars over a billion provided in the clause. "

On another note, the newspaper le Potentiel indicates that "Pressed on all sides, particularly by environmentalists, including WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and Greenpeace, the French oil company Total, which is involved in a project oil exploration near the Virunga National Park in the Albertine Graben in eastern DRC, has promised not to touch this world heritage".
Total will not enter the protected area, the CEO said on Friday the French group. The exploration program Total is strictly limited to an area outside the Virunga National Park and the group confirms its commitment to the current limits in case they would be reduced, said Christophe de Margerie, during the General Meeting of Shareholders of Total, responding to a request from the association WWF / France.

Ecofin Agency reports that "the first general meeting of the new mining giant Xstrata and Glencore trading had two high points. Firstly, the Chairman of the Board, Sir John Bond, from Xstrata , was ousted from office and secondly, the insistent questions were raised about mining contracts in the DRC. "
The group resulting from the recent merger of commodities trader Glencore International with Xstrata mining group met for the first time its shareholders as a new entity. 80.85% of shareholders voted against the re-election of John Bond on the board. Glencore Xstrata will have a new interim president in the person of Anthony Hayward, former head of British oil giant BP.
Another highlight concerned the DR Congo: Global Witness specializing in anti-corruption asked Ivan Glasenberg, CEO of the company NGOs to accept an "independent investigation" for obtaining mining licenses Kansuki and Mutanda recently denounced by the Africa Progress Panel, Kofi Annan: "Global Witness has spent a lot of time in our offices to try to understand how we acquired our assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they were able to review our transactions, so yes, we were subject to such an independent investigation "replied Mr. Glasenberg.
According to the Africa Progress Panel, these assets, once in possession of the state-owned Gecamines, have been transferred to "the sixth of their commercial value in the market", implying a shortfall of $ 1.36 billion for DR Congo.
Another issue concerning the DRC focused on three mines obtained by Eurasian Natural Resources Corp (ENRC) by Israeli businessman Dan Gertler. According to the Financial Times, the British Serious Fraud Office is very interested in this transaction considered doubtful. For Ivan Glasenberg, Glencore entered later in the companies concerned to make significant investments, citing the case of Katanga with nearly $ 3 billion in investments.
Ecofin Agency remember these words: "I can confirm the ban on copper concentrate", told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Tokyo, the Congolese Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu.
Reiterating the decision of Kinshasa to ban the export of copper concentrates, Mr. Kabwelulu said that the measure "fully take effect from July or August." According to the minister, a three-month moratorium will be granted to companies to adjust their operations.
The purpose of this prohibition is to force mining companies to turn on the spot, as is already Glencore and Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold.
The application of this law has already failed several times in recent years. Already Katumbi Moses, the powerful governor of Katanga declared its intention to ignore it.

 

DRC natural resources review press of Thursday, May 16, 2013

The newspaper le Potentiel reports that in the "dissemination campaign of the 2010 EITI report, traceability of 88 million fee and the suspension of the DRC are in exchanges between civil society and parliamentary." According to the newspaper, "about the lack of traceability of USD 88 million of mining royalties reported in the DRC in 2010 EITI report that a lot of ink and saliva flow, civil society said that $ 85 million USD has already been traced by DGRAD at the Central Bank. " Citing spokesman civil society Jean-Claude Katende, the tabloid writes: "The work continues to track the amount of 3 million remaining."

The newspaper le Potentiel also reported that "referring to the temporary suspension of DRC's EITI National Assembly Vunabandi ensures process improvement based corrective action" and noted that "in a current issue initiated by the national deputy Juvenal Munubo Mubi, Minister of Planning and Monitoring the implementation of the revolution of modernity reassured the national representation of the continuation of the process that should lead to the qualification of the DRC as a country in accordance with EITI process "

The daily la Prospérité reports with "project launched UNFCCC: The European Union is determined to preserve forest ecosystems " According to the newspaper, it opened yesterday, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Circle Elaïs (in Kinshasa), a workshop to launch the project Climate Change and Forests in the Congo (UNFCCC). "The projects are implemented for a period of 47 months by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) with the resources of the fund of the Global Alliance against climate change under the auspices of the European Union. The overall cost of the project is estimated at 11,562,922 euros. Through this project, the newspaper said, the European Union intends to support the DRC in the implementation of its policy to counter the effects of climate change. This, by strengthening its project to reduce emissions and increase carbon stocks. In this context, more than 5,000 ha of degraded land will be restored within the Virunga Park in North Kivu"."Natural Resource Management: the Protestant University raises issues" with that title the newspaper le Potentiel reports that "the Protestant University of Congo (UPC) organizes from 15 to 16 May 2013 at the Maison de France in Kinshasa / Gombe, a symposium on the management of natural resources in the DRC "

The Ecofin Agency announced that "Minerals Corporation Ltd., a junior company active in copper, said Tuesday it has begun field work and planning a drilling program in June in the Katanga Province of the DRC where it has concessions ".The exploration program will focus on licenses Luishia adjacent to the proposed Tiger Resources at Kipoi and Kipita in the northwest where rock samples showed a copper content of 9%.Minerals Corporation Ltd. intends to examine without delay the project is Sakania in south-east Katanga, with the analysis of large areas of mineralization identified in this concession. The company reported a very sultry and polymetallic mineralization on the silver, zinc, lead and copper.Minerals Corporation Ltd. is a joint venture with Rubamin FZC on 8 copper concessions covering 558 km2 in the province of Katanga Province. It owns 60% of these concessions against 40% for Rubamin, a company active in DR Congo for eight years.

For its part, Radio Okapi reported that "the Nuclear Center of Kinshasa is not threatened by erosion." According to the radio, "the regional nuclear-Kinshasa (CREN-K) Studies Centre is not threatened by erosions on the campus of the University of Kinshasa, said Tuesday, May 14, General Commissioner Atomic Energy, Professor Vincent Lukanda Mwamba. It belied a rumor circulating in the media, referring to the risk of collapse of the center. "

DRC natural resources review press of Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Le Phare newspaper title that "Kasai Oriental: workers of the former Sengamines tired of waiting for their final accounts" and announces: "No disinterested since the liquidation of their company followed by the purchase of its mining heritage as that property by the firm (SCIM Company Congolese mining investment), agents and officers of the former Sengamines impatient hollow and unfulfilled for the payment of their salary arrears and final accounts promises. Encrypted a thousand people, employees of the former Sengamines continue to demand the payment of their final accounts by the buyers of the assets of their company went bankrupt in 2005. before being liquidated by the government, which also has been actively involved the constitution of the SCIM he holds the largest share. "

In another case the newspaper L'Avenir reported what was a session in the National Assembly with the title "Parliamentary Oversight Fridolin Kasweshi Wilungula Cosma and bring light to the national parliament" Regarding Cosma Wilungula, the 'Director General of the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) administrator, the newspaper reports that there were "25 interventions grouped into six points, namely, the question related to the mission of the ICCN, the delimitation parks, the contribution to the state budget, clarification with respect to certain truths raised, the suggestion of ICCN and matter of curiosity. "According to the newspaper, "to the question related to the mission of the ICCN, it should be noted that the Ordinance-Law 69 was intended to preserve and protect natural resources and conservation areas in networks protected. It should also be noted that the ground floor contains 71 protected areas, including seven national parks 286.000Km 12% of the national territory. Of the 71 networks of protected areas, five are managed by the support of the national community, that is to say the natives. It was also said that the ICCN through the protection, preservation and conservation and protected areas, ICCN has signed international conventions for their insurance. In concluding his remarks, the ADG took note of all the suggestions raised by the representatives of the people, which he intends to practice. Nevertheless, he sought the protection of parliament park rangers especially as the DRC has lost in a year, including 150 350 guards in the only park of Virunga.

Moreover, the same tabloid reports that "Deogratias Mutombo replaces Jean-Claude Masangu the Central Bank of Congo" and notes that "Joseph Kabila, President of the Republic, has chosen to Déogratias Mutombo Mwana Nyembo to replace Jean-Claude Masangu at the head of the Central Bank of Congo (BCC). A choice place in the context of the continuing dynamic impregnated for 16 years by his predecessor. "
On the same subject le Potentiel newspaper indicates that "the architect of monetary stability retires" and wrote that "Jean-Claude Masangu Mulongo leaves the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) after spending 16 years of career. C is the head of state, which ended yesterday, Tuesday, May 14 at his position as governor of the BCC by appointing to the post-house a son in the person of Deo Gratias Mutombo Muana Nyembo. Masangu JC goes the head with the feeling of having accomplished his mission, that of having lived and led all the epics of the Congolese franc (CF) since its inception until today where it enjoys a stability that nobody can dispute. L advent of Deo Gratias Mutombo Muana Nyembo dedicated break-continuity that guarantees the preservation of print for 16 years by his predecessor ".