Data collection for the Baseline Study on Development Minerals in the Republic of Congo

Between 5 July and 19 August 2024, field data collection activities were conducted in the Republic of Congo, as part of the Baseline Study on Development Minerals.  

The lack of data on the Development Minerals and ASM sector is a major challenge in Congo. These field data collection activities consisted of gathering qualitative and quantitative information on the artisanal and small-scale mining sector to inform the programme’s baseline analysis. 

The activities were conducted in six Departments, including Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Kouilou, Bouenza, Cuvette and Cuvette Ouest and covered Development Minerals such as sandstone, sand, gravel, clay, granite, as well as river beds and subsoil gravels. 

The data collection focused on: 

• Minerals mined and mining sites
• Profiles of ASM miners, organization and formalization 
• Mining practices and environment impacts
• Market dynamics and value-chains 

As a result, the activity provided field data to inform the baseline study as well as a comprehensive assessment of the Development Minerals sector, highlighting current dynamics and key factors and challenges for the development of the sector.