About Mongbwalu
Coopérative Minière
Built on Community.
Grounded in Responsibility.
Mongbwalu Coopérative Minière was founded in 2018 by a group of artisanal mining community leaders who recognized the need for a formal, responsible and transparent cooperative structure to represent the interests of miners in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province.
Mongbwalu has been historically associated with gold mining since the colonial era. The Banyali people have long known the area's mineral wealth. Today, the cooperative works to formalize artisanal mining activities, improve working conditions and create traceable, conflict-free mineral supply chains.
With 2,400+ registered members across 12 licensed zones, the cooperative represents one of the most organized and compliant artisanal mining cooperatives in Ituri Province, committed to international responsible sourcing standards.
Cooperative Founded
Mongbwalu Coopérative Minière registered with SAEMAPE as cooperative No. MCM-ITR-2018-0047 in Ituri Province.
First Mining Licenses
Received first 6 artisanal mining zone licenses from the DRC Ministry of Mines, covering key areas around Mongbwalu.
iTSCi Membership
Joined the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi) bag-and-tag traceability system for conflict-free mineral certification.
Mercury-Free Pilot
Launched mercury-free gold processing pilot program in 3 zones, achieving Minamata Convention standards.
Community Fund Launch
Established 15% community development fund, investing in schools, healthcare and local infrastructure.
ICGLR-RCM Certification
Achieved ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism certification for responsible mineral sourcing.
12 Licensed Zones
Expanded to 12 fully licensed artisanal mining zones with 2,400+ registered cooperative members.
OECD Compliance Report
Published first full OECD Due Diligence Guidance compliance report, shared with international partners.
Mercury-Free Expansion
Mercury-free processing program expanded to all 12 zones. Community health clinic opened in Mongbwalu district.
Our Core Values
Transparency
Open, honest and accountable in all our operations, reporting and stakeholder communications.
Responsibility
Environmental and social responsibility embedded in every mining and community decision.
Partnership
Building lasting relationships with communities, partners and international stakeholders.
Innovation
Continuously improving our processes, adopting better technologies and safer practices.
Excellence
Committed to the highest standards in mineral quality, compliance and governance.
Sustainability
Ensuring that mining activities create long-term value for communities and the environment.
Our Certifications
OECD Due Diligence
2020Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected Areas
iTSCi Member
2020International Tin Supply Chain Initiative — Bag & Tag Traceability System
ICGLR-RCM
2023International Conference on the Great Lakes Region — Regional Certification Mechanism
SAEMAPE
2018Service d'Assistance et d'Encadrement du Small Scale Mining — Registered Cooperative
Minamata Convention
2021Mercury-Free Gold Processing — Aligned with Minamata Convention Standards
DRC Mining Code
2018Full compliance with DRC Mining Code 2018 and subsequent amendments