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COMISEMI Sets the Standard for Responsible and Community-Focused Mining in the DRC

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

COMISEMI Praised as a Model of Responsible Entrepreneurship by National Minister of Mines Louis Wathum

Durba, Haut-Uele — October 7, 2025 — The Multimodal Engineering Company of Mining Services (COMISEMI) is honored to have been commended by the National Minister of Mines, His Exellency Mr. Louis Wathum Kabamba, during his official visit on Monday, October 6, 2025, to the company’s operational site in Haut-Uele.
The Minister hailed COMISEMI as a model of responsible entrepreneurship and a source of pride for the province.

Minister Highlights COMISEMI’s Positive Impact

During his visit, H.E Minister Wathum praised several key aspects of COMISEMI’s operations:

  • Local Employment and Skills Development:
    Under the leadership of General Director Dominique Atafo Matikuli, COMISEMI employs more than 65 people, contributing to job creation and professional development for local youth.

  • Access to Clean Water:
    The company provides approximately 6,000 liters of potable water daily to nearby communities—an act of social responsibility welcomed by residents.

  • Strategic Partnership:
    COMISEMI’s collaboration with Kibali Gold Mines was highlighted as an example of productive partnership that enhances both technical expertise and regional development.

Beyond Mining: A Commitment to Social Progress

H.E Minister Wathum emphasized that COMISEMI’s contribution extends far beyond industrial operations, recognizing it as a true partner in community development.

“What I’ve seen here is a model of responsible entrepreneurship,” said Minister Wathum.
“The government will continue to support COMISEMI so that it can go even further. I also congratulate the General Director for his leadership and civic engagement.”

In response, Mr. Dominique Atafo expressed his gratitude for the government’s encouragement and called for stronger institutional support for national enterprises.

“We believe in a Congolese private sector that is serious, visionary, and committed to sustainable growth. COMISEMI will continue to demonstrate that responsible mining can drive real development for the people of Haut-Uele,” said Mr. Atafo.

National Recognition of a Sustainable Model

This ministerial recognition follows COMISEMI’s recent distinction at the Uele Awards, where the company was named Best Mining Company in Haut-Uele Province.

Through ethical practices, transparency, and deep community engagement, COMISEMI continues to demonstrate that responsible local entrepreneurship can serve as a key driver of sustainable development across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Media Contact:
Communications Office
COMISEMI – Multimodal Engineering Company of Mining Services
📧contact@lodave.com
🌐 www.comisemi.com

Dominique Atafo, CEO of COMISEMI, Named Best Mining Sector Executive in Haut-Uele at 2025 Uele Awards

PRESS RELEASE
Isiro, Haut-Uele — July 27, 2025

The Multimodal Engineering Company of Mining Services (COMISEMI) is proud to announce that its General Director, Mr. Dominique Atafo, has been awarded the title of Best Chief Executive Officer among mining companies operating in Haut-Uele. The recognition was conferred during the 3rd edition of the Uele Awards, held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Maman Henriette Hall in Isiro.

A Recognition of Ethical, Inclusive, and Sustainable Leadership

The award ceremony, attended by provincial authorities, civil society leaders, traditional chiefs, and economic actors, honored a leadership model built on accountability, proximity to communities, and a long-term development vision.

“I receive this award with humility. It does not belong to me alone—it is the result of a committed team and a shared vision,”
said a visibly moved Dominique Atafo.

A Mining Model Focused on Human Development

Under Mr. Atafo’s leadership, COMISEMI has been redefining responsible mining as a vehicle for community progress and inclusive growth. The company has launched and supported several impactful initiatives, including:

  • Construction and equipping of schools

  • Rehabilitation of health centers

  • Improved access to clean water

  • Support for women and youth entrepreneurship

In Durba, for instance, a community maternity clinic supported by COMISEMI now handles over 30 births per month, with staff partially funded by the company.

“When mining companies invest in health or education, they are also investing in peace,”
said Noëlla Madidi, president of a local women’s association.

A Governance Model Gaining National Attention

Dominique Atafo’s leadership is now drawing interest well beyond the provincial level. Academics and national policy experts have praised the “Atafo model” as a reference for mining governance reform in the DRC. His inclusive and participatory approach, which involves local chiefs, youth, and women in project planning, has helped ease community tensions and build long-term trust.

A senior official at the Ministry of Mines stated:

“What matters is not the size of the company, but its concrete contribution to the well-being of the Congolese people.”

COMISEMI has also distinguished itself through regular tax compliance, transparent administration, and a strong commitment to social infrastructure development.

A Collective Call to Build a Stronger Haut-Uele

For Mr. Atafo, this award is not an endpoint but a renewed call to action:

“This award is an encouragement to do more. Haut-Uele deserves companies that listen, innovate, and create shared value. This trophy belongs to all of you. Together, we can build a prosperous province.”

About the Uele Awards
The Uele Awards are an annual event recognizing excellence across key sectors in the Haut-Uele province, including education, health, culture, entrepreneurship, media, and mining. The awards spotlight individuals and organizations whose work has a significant and lasting impact on local communities.

Media Contact:
Communications Office – COMISEMI
📧 Email: contact@lodave.com
🌐 Website: www.comisemi.com

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