IPIS invites you to a panel discussion on current challenges in the Congolese cobalt mining sector and the potential of upcoming EU regulations to tackle these challenges. While one of the main objectives of the EU Battery Regulation is to improve the human and environmental rights of cobalt miners and their communities, the EU Critical Raw Material Act serves a more EU centered interest to secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals, including cobalt, for the energy transition. This panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the two upcoming regulations to make a meaningful improvement for the Congolese cobalt sector.
The event will take place on Thursday 30th November 2023 in Brussels (in-person attendance only).
Date: November 30th
Time: 4 – 6 PM
Location: Atelier 29
Jacques de Lalaing 29, 1000 BRUSSELS
PROGRAMME:
3:45: Arrival of participants
4:00: Welcome and opening remarks. Honorary Ambassador Johan Swinnen, IPIS Chairman
4:10: Panel discussion
Espérant Mwishamali Lukobo (online from Lubumbashi)
Independent researcher focusing on artisanal mining and mining governance, in particular in the province of Lualaba, DRC.
Sarah Katz-Lavigne
Post-doctoral researcher at the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) of the University of Antwerp and at the Centre of Expertise on Mining Governance (CEGEMI) of the Université catholique de Bukavu.
Guillaume de Brier
IPIS Researcher, focusing on critical raw materials at the level of the mine and of international relations.
Moderation: Lotte Hoex
IPIS Researcher and Policy Manager focusing on responsible mineral supply chains and regulatory policies at the EU level.
5:00: Q&A with the audience
5:30: Drinks and photo exhibition
The discussion will be followed by a networking reception.
Brieuc Debontridder will present some of the photographs of his book République démocratique du cobalt.
This event is supported by the European Union and the Belgian Development Cooperation.
