With so many social and economic issues that need addressing in the DRC, it can be difficult to decide which to include in a CSR program. A few projects already in progress are described below. Different companies take different approaches with these projects: some manage them directly under a corporate banner, while others choose to set up foundations for each mining location. The formal structure of the funding mechanism is an important element to consider.
1- Infrastructure
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is heavily lacking in infrastructure: roads are not maintained or constructed, transportation systems are minimal and the electric grid is unreliable. Addressing these issues can be a foundational area of a CSR plan, given the importance of infrastructure to operation.
Consider the investments undertaken by Anvil Mining:
- $5 million of financing assistance to the DRC electricity company, SNEL, to be amortized against Anvil's power usage at Kinsevere site
- $200,000 towards the necessary upgrading of the Luano Airport at Lubumbashi to improve the transportation network of the Katanga province
- Over $12 million to refurbish the National Road #5 between Kilwa and Kasemeno over a distance of 192 km.
2- Food Shortage
The DRC is a fertile land and has enjoyed a successful history with agriculture, exporting many crops to other African nations. Because of a labour decline in the agricultural sector in recent years, however, due to workers moving into the more profitable extractive sector, the result is food shortages and food insecurity.
Despite adequate conditions for farming - enough to provide food for its entire population - the lack of capital and extreme poverty has left the Congolese unable to support this industry.
First Quantum Minerals, at its Guelb mine location, has set up programs to address the food shortage issues in the local community. First Quantum Minerals has:
- Funded the construction of shade houses to grow vegetables
- Provided water pumps and pipes to local farming cooperatives to enable irrigation in the Akjoujt wadis
- Provided water bladders in parts of Akjoujt town, one lacking a reticulated water system
3- Education
The education system lacks the necessary physical and human resources to operate. Many children do not attend school because their parents cannot pay the tuition, which covers teachers' salaries. Gross enrollment is estimated at 50%, a figure which does not reflect actual attendance.
A common resolution to this issue is to build and invest in the maintenance of a local school.
In Saramabila, a secondary school was recently designed and built by the Banro Foundation to serve 300 students.
Before undertaking education-related projects, however, it is important to consult with local DRC government to ensure all system requirements are met.
4- HIV/AIDS
In South Africa, Anglovaal Mining Ltd. conducted a study on the methodology for an HIV/AIDS program. The program was developed in response to the high level of HIV among employees: 14% in 2002.
The report, co-produced by the World Economic Forum, reveals the complex range of issues that need to be addressed in the process of program development, from providing anonymous employee testing to the economic case for the employer's provision of HIV prevention.
Read the full details about the study on the methodology for an HIV/AIDS program here.
5- Gender Issues
Rape has become the weapon of choice for militias engaged in civil war to terrorize people out of their lands and create divisions within the communities. A report detailing the issue was recently released by The Genocide Prevention Group called "Rape in the Congo: Canada, Where are you?"
The Stephen Lewis Foundation has allocated $300,000 to the Panzi Hospital in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to increase its capacity to treat women who have been raped.
Pledging funding to an organization such as the Panzi Hospital or establishing a similar undertaking are options to address this ongoing issue.
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