Kabila signs law opposed by mining companies

DRC President Joseph Kabila on Friday signed a mining law that is expected to increase the country's royalties despite opposition from major mining companies. Legalbrief reports that Kabila announced the signing two days after he met mining company representatives about the legislation that DRC's Parliament had already approved. The government last year signalled its intention to reform its 2002 mining code, which is considered to favour foreign investors at the expense of the local economy. Kabila and the mining firms agreed to deal with problems on a 'case-by-case' basis. A report on the Infosurhoy site notes that Mining Minister Martin Kabwelulu said there would be 'implementation measures that would ease the toughness of the law'. 'The President reassures mining operators that they are economic partners in the DRC and that their concerns will be taken into account through a constructive dialogue with the government with a view to finding a compromise,' Kabila’s office said in a statement before the signing.