The strong mining alliance forged between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Kinsevere mine operator, MMG Limited, was further strengthened at a recent 16 July meeting at the DRC embassy in Beijing.
Weiquan Xia, General Manager of MMG’s Kinsevere mine, convened a successful meeting with Numbi Kayembe Valentin, Plenipotentiary Minister, responsible for Congolese diplomatic matters. They discussed the inclusive social investment opportunities that have been brokered between both countries.
The Kinsevere mine operation has over the longer term invested in sustainable DRC community projects with economic benefits flowing to locally-run businesses as well as improved agriculture, education and public health infrastructure major projects. One notable example is Kinsevere’s pledge of nearly US$20 million assisting Bukanda sector villages over 15 years.
Mr Weiquan said he was committed to creating more employment and training opportunities for Congolese people, a focus he has had since joining MMG in July 2020.
“More than half of Kinsevere’s senior management are Congolese and nearly all of the 800 full time positions are filled by DRC people. Kinsevere also creates over 3000 jobs for contractors and communities at peak, further boosting local job opportunities,” he said.
Mr Weiquan praised Mr Kayembe for the strong friendship and economic ties between the two countries, adding that the planned Kinsevere Expansion Project will extend the company’s presence in Africa’s central copper belt, with more jobs and economic benefits reaching local communities and the country.
Mr Kayembe thanked MMG Kinsevere’s mining operation for its DRC contribution and commitment through copper cathode production as well as employment and community investment benefits for Lubumbashi, surrounding areas and the wider DRC.
The Minister ‘Plenipotentiary of First Class’ will echo these sentiments at an upcoming lecture to the Chinese Non-ferrous Metals Association about policies and legal requirements relevant to DRC-based resource companies.
The visit was facilitated by MMG’s major shareholder China Minmetals Corporation (CMC) through Taiyang Li, Senior Manager International Business – CMC and Yi Chen (Aaron), Chief of Staff MMG Kinsevere.
Kinsevere is proud to pledge regional economic support, while complying with the Mining Code and laws stipulated by the DRC as its host country.
MEDIA ENQUIRY | ||
Freddy Elonga Deputy General Manager T +243 996 010 030 M +243 820 106 380freddy.elonga@mmg.com |
Yi Chen Chief of Staff – GM T +243 815 585 258 M +yi.chen@mmg.com |