DRC Mining Decarbonisation Accelerates as Carbon Tax and EU CBAM Pressure Mount

The Democratic Republic of Congo is moving toward carbon tax legislation and regulated carbon trading, pushing mining companies to cut emissions or face direct financial penalties. A new article from SRK Consulting outlines practical steps mines can take, starting with monitoring their biggest greenhouse gas sources and targeting diesel consumption from haulage and mobile equipment. Key challenges include the lack of a reliable national grid, forcing mines to rely on diesel generation, and the need for proven low-emission technologies that can be supported locally. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism adds further pressure, as DRC mines risk losing export access if they cannot decarbonise their supply chains. Hydropower potential remains largely untapped, and improving road and rail infrastructure could help reduce transport emissions. Immediate progress depends on energy efficiency measures like automated haulage and optimised ventilation, but the real shift will require replacing fossil fuels with alternatives such as trolley-assist haulage or electric trucks. Early planning and innovative mine design are becoming essential as decarbonisation moves from optional to financially critical.