On Wednesday 23 November 2022, ERG held an official ceremony to celebrate the restart of operations at Boss Mining in Kakanda. The ceremony was attended by ERG’s leadership and employees, Gécamines executives, government representatives and community leaders.
Boss Mining is a historical copper and cobalt producer and was placed on care and maintenance in 2019. The restart of operations kicked off with the first phase comprising the processing of historically mined Kiwana fines on its Luita concession, with plans to scale up production sustainably in the future.
The celebration comprised speeches, music from community choirs, and concluded with traditional blessings steered by local chiefs to signify a new era for Boss Mining.
Speakers at the event included ERG Chief Executive Officer, Benedikt Sobotka; Gécamines Director General, Mr. Ntambwe Ngoy Kabongo; Provincial Minister for the Interior and Security, Mr. Kapenda Wa Kapenda Déodat; Provincial Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Mr. Georges Mawine Kaindu and Correction of the Administrative Delegate of Kakanda, Madame Clementine Lutanda Wa Mpanga.
“Today, we are proud – with our partners, and in your distinguished presence – to reawaken this sleeping giant. We are proud that the first phase of the restart will create more than 750 jobs for DRC nationals, mainly hired from surrounding communities to ensure that our direct community members enjoy the socio-economic outcomes of Boss Mining’s activities,” said Benedikt Sobotka.
“Boss Mining will not only help to uplift communities but will also contribute to the DRC’s economy and to the programme of action of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, which aims to improve social conditions through health, education and employment.” he added.
Mr. Ntambwe Ngoy Kabongo, said, “I am confident that the revival of Boss Mining’s activities will create more than a thousand new jobs and unite hundreds of families from the surrounding communities and all over the country.”
As a business committed to responsibly unlocking the potential of the Earth and its people, to ensure the prosperity of those who rely on us, the restart of Boss Mining will play a vital role in the socio-economic development in the region.
