Entreprise Générale du Cobalt and Mercuria Energy Trading SA have taken a major step by signing a strategic memorandum of understanding on March 25 in Shanghai. Objective: to formalize and develop the Kasulo mining site, located in Kolwezi, as well as the entire associated cobalt supply chain.

Through this partnership, the two parties intend to build a benchmark model for artisanal and small-scale mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ambition is clear: to make Kasulo an international showcase for a more transparent, sustainable, and fully traceable cobalt sector.

The project is based on an inclusive approach, integrating all local stakeholders, from artisanal miners to cooperatives, as well as Gécamines and national and provincial authorities. It will cover sensitive issues in the sector, including health and safety on sites, fairness in production organization, respect for human rights, environmental management, and complete traceability of flows.

In their communication, EGC and Mercuria emphasize their commitment to aligning with international standards, particularly the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals, EGC's Responsible Sourcing Standard, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

For Mercuria, this agreement aims to demonstrate that better-regulated artisanal mining can meet the growing demands of the global critical minerals market. Kostas Bintas, Head of Metals and Minerals, believes that Kasulo can become a global benchmark by reconciling safety, traceability, respect for human rights, and supply reliability.

From EGC's perspective, this partnership is seen as a decisive step forward in structuring a responsible artisanal sector in the DRC. Its General Manager, Eric Kalala, highlights a key lever: access to financing made possible by the involvement of a leading international player. According to him, this support will help secure production, improve working conditions, and generate more value for local communities.

Beyond production, the agreement also focuses on local integration, with training and capacity-building programs for cooperatives, to sustainably embed operations within international best practices.