Local Content Ownership: A Pledge for Sustainable Development in Countries Rich Natural Resources

This booklet, which focuses on the rights of local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in the province of Haut-Katanga, highlights the need to pay particular attention to the measures implementing the 2002 Mining Code in order to safeguard the socio-economic and ecological environment. In particular, it draws attention to the annexes to the mining regulations, and more specifically to Annex IX. Indeed, the aforementioned Code advocates the promotion of national economic growth by encouraging private investment in the mining sector. However, current research indicates that the implementation of this Code also creates enormous difficulties for communities living near mining sites. Conversely, this study will highlight that the proliferation of mining companies, particularly in Haut-Katanga province, is accompanied by serious challenges which underpin new factors contributing to rising poverty among local communities. It will also propose guidelines for addressing these issues. These factors, which fall within the 'Local Content' approach, include: the dispossession of local communities' land, and forced relocation without reasonable compensation.