The 20th edition of DRC Mining Week, held in Lubumbashi, marked a pivotal moment for the Congolese mining industry. MMG Kinsevere stood out through its active participation in high-level strategic dialogues and its strong representation of women leaders in mining.

Bringing together senior government officials, global industry leaders, and key development stakeholders, the forum served as a platform for shaping a shared vision for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. MMG Kinsevere’s presence reflected its commitment to responsible governance, energy transition, women’s leadership, and local value creation.

A delegation that embodies change

As a Platinum Sponsor, MMG Kinsevere mobilised a 23-member delegation, including General Manager Yi Chen, Deputy General Manager – Corporate Affairs Charles Kyona, and Deputy General Manager – Commercial Ben Qian. Nearly half of the delegation were women, an impactful signal of the company’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Today, women represent 15% of MMG Kinsevere’s workforce.

Strategic dialogue with government leaders

One of the most significant moments of the forum was a closed-door meeting between the Ministers of Mines and Industry and executives from leading mining companies. MMG Kinsevere was represented by the top management representatives. The meeting enabled open and constructive exchanges on sector challenges, long-term growth, and the foundations for a stable and equitable investment climate.

“As MMG’s leadership, we shared our vision for responsible mining anchored in innovation, transparency, and local value creation and reaffirmed our long-term commitment to the DRC,” said Yi Chen.

MMG Kinsevere’s General Manager and HSE Manager were among the 180 high-level speakers who helped shape the forum’s agenda. Their interventions highlighted the company’s operational experience, values, and commitment to safety, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. Executives also contributed to strategic panels on energy transition, governance, and local value creation.

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MMG Kinsevere’s commitment to gender equity was also reflected in its active participation in discussions around Women in Mining. The company’s leadership emphasised the importance of creating space for women to lead, influence, and shape the future of the industry. This was not just symbolic; Kinsevere’s delegation itself embodied this principle.

Visibility and engagement

MMG Kinsevere’s booth welcomed over 200 visitors and served as a hub for strategic dialogue, networking, and collaboration. Among hundreds of mining companies and service providers showcased at the exhibition, Kinsevere stood out for its transparent approach, operational excellence, and forward-looking vision, reinforcing its role as a key player in Central Africa’s mining landscape.

On the sidelines of the International Day of Women in Mining, the city of Lubumbashi hosted the sixth edition of the Women in Mining DRC Forum, a flagship event held on the sidelines of the DRC Mining Week. Sponsored by MMG Kinsevere, the forum brought together over 100 participants from across the mining ecosystem, both nationally and internationally, reaffirming the critical role of women in shaping the future of the industry.

In a sector traditionally dominated by men, women’s voices rang out with strength and clarity. Inspiring testimonies, stories of resilience, and bold calls to action marked the discussions, highlighting both tangible progress and persistent structural challenges.

“Strong leadership is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said Yi Chen, General Manager of MMG in the DRC, in his opening remarks.
“We must empower women to lead, to innovate, and to transform the mining industry into a driver of peace, equity, and sustainable development.”

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MMG Kinsevere, where 15% of the workforce are women, including in key leadership roles, continues to champion a more inclusive and diverse mining sector. This commitment is embodied by Dr Mukuzo Lysette Hamisi, HSE Manager, whose journey from intern to executive is a testament to determination and professional excellence in a challenging environment.

A central theme of the forum was the impact of mining-related conflict on women and the urgent need to strengthen their resilience. Senior leaders from the private sector, representatives from international organisations such as UN Women, and renowned African entrepreneurs shared concrete strategies to strengthen women’s resilience in mining communities.

Dorothée Masele, President of Women in Mining DRC, emphasised the transformative power of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and women-led cooperatives. She also issued a strong appeal to mining companies:

“It’s time to include women-led structures in procurement processes. Economic inclusion also means adopting gender-sensitive sourcing policies.”

In closing, Yi Chen delivered a powerful message: “Let’s not leave here just inspired – let’s leave mobilised. Let’s build a future where women are not just participants, but pioneers, decision-makers, and agents of change.”

Featured speakers:

• Annebel Oosthuizen – Managing Director, Kamoa Copper S.A.

• Marie-Chantal Kaninda – President, Glencore DRC / Chairperson, Kamoto Copper Company

• Nadege Beauvil – Programme Specialist, DRC UN Women

• Dorothée Masele – President DRC WIM

• Mushiya Kabeya – Founder & CEO, Résilience RSE

• Tebogo Mosito – CEO, Ditsogo Group (South Africa)

• Shanty Tshiela Byart-Mutombo – Founder & CEO, EG MiningS

• Dr Mukuzo Lysette Hamisi – HSE Manager MMG Kinsevere

• Nanou Nsuku – Administrative Assistant, Chamber of Mines / FEC