The mining group’s new leadership is working to clear the Mutoshi site of the thousands of artisanal miners currently present. Their transfer to Makala, which has been discussed with the authorities in Lualaba province, is intended to pave the way for the resumption of the industrial copper and cobalt project, as reported by Africa Intelligence.
The new management of the mining group Chemaf—now under the control of the American company Virtus Minerals—is actively preparing to clear the Mutoshi mining site by organizing the transfer of thousands of artisanal miners to the Makala site.
This relocation plan is being discussed and coordinated directly with the provincial authorities of Lualaba to ensure an orderly transition and prevent social unrest.
The move to the Makala site comes at a time when the security situation in the Lualaba region is particularly sensitive, following a series of tragic accidents in artisanal mines.
Chemaf’s management (co-led by the American firm Virtus Minerals and its Indian industrial partner, Lloyds Metals) has structured this operation to include several support measures for the approximately 8,500 artisanal miners involved. The plan includes the implementation of financial inclusion mechanisms, as well as specific provisions for housing the relocated miners.
The practical arrangements for this large-scale relocation are being coordinated in close collaboration with the Lualaba provincial government and SAEMAPE (the Service for Assistance and Oversight of Artisanal Mining) to minimize the risk of social conflict. The definitive release of the Mutoshi site should enable Chemaf to finalize its industrial processing infrastructure, with the goal of fully resuming copper and cobalt production.
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