In Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, risks related to human rights may arise due to lack of knowledge about laws and regulations, protections, and responsibilities in the mining sector. A key component of our project Ushimbaji kwa Kanuni, heshima na Haki, Supporting Responsible and Inclusive Mining Governance, focuses on disseminating the DRC Mining Code and training local stakeholders and communities on Congolese laws and regulations. This includes human rights and the prohibition of both child labour and the presence of children at mine sites, a risk we report and monitor as part of ITSCI incident management process. Through outreach and awareness-raising sessions for artisanal miners, mining communities, mining cooperatives and state agents, ITSCI field teams draw attention to the different dangers children can face in the mines.
One of the most powerful outcomes of this work has been the increased awareness of mining communities in Nyabibwe and Numbi towns, South Kivu Province. Artisanal miners, having gained a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks protecting children and the inherent risks for children at mine sites, took steps to address the issue. In a display of community responsibility, they established a designated space outside the Filon 2 mine in Numbi where the children and their caretakers can play safely and where parents can meet their children for lunch.
Cooperative members of the SYCOMIK, a synergy of three mining cooperatives in Kalimbi, and of the COPAMIHANUBU cooperative in Numbi were appointed to enforce safety checks at three ITSCI-monitored sub-sectors, covering 14 mine sites: Kalimbi sub-sector in Nyabibwe and Filon 2 and Funga Mwaka sub-sectors in Numbi. They are actively involved in keeping children from entering the mines by regularly checking designated access points, following instructions from cooperative leaders who have understood the importance and necessity ofthe DRC Mining Code. Mining cooperatives have also displayed posters with messages prohibiting the presence and work of children.
This initiative not only helps protect children from the risks prevalent at mines but also fostered a sense of collective commitment to maintain safe mining practices. The project stands as a testament to how awareness-raising can spark change from within and create safer, more sustainable environments for both artisanal miners and their families.
ITSCI Field Officer and mining stakeholders in front of a sign raising awareness on the ban of child labour and the presence of children at the Numbi mining site, South Kivu Province
The project project Ushimbaji kwa Kanuni, heshima na Haki (Supporting Responsible and Inclusive Mining Governance is funded by ITSCI Associate Member TPV Technology and includes five key components including awareness-raising about the DRC Mining Code; Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training; OHS risk monitoring and mitigation; support of women-owned businesses and awareness-raising on gender; and research on disabilities in Artisanal and Small–Scale Mining. Read more about the project here.