TRANSPARENCY SNAPSHOT

Though management of public finances is improving in DRC's post-war climate, and some progress has been made on both the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and improved transparency for mining contracts, the failure to open government revenues and spending to public scrutiny undermines the growth of a transparent and accountable mineral sector. Effective and equitable governance of natural resources is a prerequisite to sustaining peace and economic and social development.

Mining accounted for 16% of GDP in DRC in 2006. The main minerals are copper, cobalt, zinc, diamonds and columbo-tantalite (coltan). The DRC is a small oil producer. Output for 2006 reached 7.59 million barrels.
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EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES

The main minerals are copper, cobalt, zinc, diamonds and columbo-tantalite (coltan). Cadmium, cassiterite (tin ore), gold, silver, wolframite and uranium are mined on a smaller scale. Most mining of base metals takes place in Katanga. Diamonds are mined in East and West Kasai. Smaller-scale production occurs in Equateur and Orientale province. Coltan and cassiterite have become important exports in Maniema, North and South Kivu. Orientale province and in South Kivu have large gold deposits.

Based on 2006 reports, mining accounted for 16% of GDP in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of the mining sector was nationalized in the 1970s. State-owned companies include:

• Générale des carrières et des mines (Gécamines): copper and cobalt mines in Katanga
• Miniere de Bakwanga (Miba):kimberlite diamond mining in Kasai
• Office des mines d'or de Kilo-Moto (Okimo): gold mines of Kilomoto