5 questions & answers about Belgian mining investments in Congo
Aug 20 2025
4 minutes
This week, Foreign Minister Prévot will travel again to CongoHis visit focuses on strengthening the business climate in the mining sector. But according to Eva Demaré, policy officer at 11.11.11, something fundamental is missing from that story: attention to human rights, the conflict in eastern Congo and transparency.
We asked her why this visit is important, and why Belgian policy should be much more than economic diplomacy.
1. Why is Minister Prévot traveling to Congo again?
Eva: "Minister Prévot's visit fits within a broader Belgian strategy to invest more in critical raw materials, such as cobalt and copper. These are essential for batteries, wind turbines, and other technologies for the green transition. Congo has significant reserves of these raw materials, particularly in the southern province of Haut-Katanga, where the important city of Lubumbashi is located. Minister Prévot will be traveling there."
2. Are such investments in the mining sector a good idea?
“In principle, investments in mining can certainly mean something positive. They can create jobs, build infrastructure and stimulate economic development. But then they have to be properly regulated, and that is often where the problem lies."
"In Congo we see that existing rules, such as the 'Code Minière', are often poorly appliedThis is partly due to a lack of funding and corruption. In practice, this sometimes leads to dire situations: people being driven from their land, drinking water being contaminated, or even child labor.
Some raw material routes are also controlled by armed groups, such as M23 or the ADF in eastern Congo. If companies don't properly investigate the origins of their materials, they could unintentionally contribute to conflicts.
"And even if there are formal contracts, the money rarely flows to the population.That creates frustration, inequality and instability."
"Investing in the mining sector isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it must be done with responsibility, transparency, and participation. Only then will real added value be created for the Congolese people."
3. What should Belgium do differently?
“Belgium can make a difference by linking clear conditions to investments. Firstly: record binding agreements in contracts. These should oblige companies to process locally, operate ecologically and create decent and safe jobs."
"Second: ensure full transparency about where raw materials come from. Companies must be able to demonstrate exactly how and under what conditions they were extracted."
"Thirdly: real duty of careBelgian companies that violate human rights or damage the environment must be held legally accountable. The Belgian government must also hold them accountable and advocate for stronger regulations within the European Union.
"And fourthly: involve local civil societyLocal NGOs, unions, and civil society organizations know what's going on and what the needs are. They must have a real voice in decisions and oversee project implementation.
4. And what about the escalating conflict in eastern Congo? Is it receiving enough attention?
“Unfortunately not. While in Lubumbashi, in the south, the focus is currently on economic cooperation, the humanitarian crisis in the east continues to escalateAt least 460 people were killed between July and August alone, including dozens of children. This despite an official ceasefire.
"It peace process is at a standstill and international attention to the conflict remains insufficient."
Minister Prévot indicated in a conversation with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi that Belgium will once again put the violence in eastern Congo high on the EU agenda. We hope that this promise will be fulfilled.
"Belgium must advocate much more strongly for an inclusive peace processand for the protection of civilians, journalists, and civil society organizations. Diplomacy should not only serve commercial interests, but also be used for peace, justice, and solidarity.”
5. What does 11.11.11 concretely, and how do your partners contribute to this?
“We ask that Belgium be economic ambitions in Congo linked to clear ethical conditionsThis means guarantees for local employment, decent work, fair wages, environmental protection, and also complete transparency about the origins of raw materials and the conditions under which they were extracted. Belgian companies must take responsibility for their impact.
But we also emphasize: this cannot be done without the input of Congolese civil society. Our partners are active on site. They document abuses, monitor investment projects, and advocate for greater participation of local communities."
Yet they often encounter closed doors. The processes, such as the mineral deal between Congo and the European Union, lack transparency and offer little room for local voices. This needs to change. International cooperation must start from equality, not of one-sided interests.”
Eva Demaré
Policy Officer Great Lakes Region
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Our partners in Congo document human rights violations and closely monitor mining investments. Together with them, we fight for the rights of local communities, for greater participation, and for greater justice. Support their work with a donation.
