The Director General of the Congolese Mining Cadastre (CAMI), Mr. Popol Mabolia Yenga, has urged renewed efforts to unlock the vast but underexploited mining potential of Maniema Province.
Speaking at the 2nd Conference on Mines, Energy and Infrastructures held in Kindu from November 3 to 5, 2025, Mr. Mabolia called for coordinated strategies to strengthen geological research, develop local mining enterprises, and revive key industrial projects.
As a panelist in a session themed “State of Play of Mining Rights in Maniema and the Issue of Their Viability,” the CAMI chief underscored the province’s rich mineral endowment, noting that Maniema’s mining sector remains largely dormant despite its potential to drive regional economic transformation.
“Maniema’s resources can become a real engine for sustainable development if we invest in geological mapping, promote responsible exploration, and support local transformation,” Mr. Mabolia said.
He proposed the creation of a provincial mining company to coordinate exploration and production activities and reviving the MMR-SAKINA tin smelter project, which he described as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation.
The Director General emphasized that improving the viability of mining rights in Maniema requires stronger institutional collaboration between local authorities, national agencies, and private investors.
He added that transparent governance and effective resource management would help attract responsible investment and ensure that local communities benefit from the province’s mineral wealth.
The Kindu conference, which ran from November 3 to 5, brought together a diverse mix of policymakers, technical experts, and mining operators to discuss the intersection of mining, energy, and infrastructure development in eastern DRC.
Participants exchanged views on governance challenges, infrastructure needs, and the integration of sustainability principles in the mining sector.
Observers say Maniema—known for its deposits of tin, tantalum, gold, and other minerals—could play a greater role in the DRC’s mining economy if the province addresses constraints such as limited infrastructure, low investment, and outdated mining operations.
The meeting concluded with calls to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, expand geological knowledge, and prioritize local value addition.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that initiatives such as the revival of the SAKINA smelter and establishment of a provincial mining company could mark a turning point for Maniema’s resource-based development.