On 27 November, Mr. Kisanda Felicien Makonga, Chief of the Kazembe region in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and a key traditional leader of the host communities for Zijin’s local subsidiary COMMUS, visited Zijin’s headquarters. In a significant gesture, he donated his personal malachite-copper staff to the Zijin Geology and Mineral Museum, marking a memorable moment in the people-to-people exchanges and economic ties between China and the DRC.

During the visit, the chief gained a deep understanding of Zijin’s growth journey and corporate culture. He commended the company for achievements in mineral exploration and development, and said, “This visit left a lasting impression on me. Zijin’s enterprising spirit and cultural ethos are truly admirable.” 

At the Zijin Geology and Mineral Museum, the collection of Congolese mineral specimens reminded the chief of his homeland. Inspired by the display, he wanted to “leave a memento.” After the tour, he decided to donate to the museum the malachite-copper staff he carried with him for many years as a symbol of friendship with Zijin and its Congolese subsidiary COMMUS SAS.

As the operator of the Kolwezi Copper Mine in Lualaba, COMMUS is an exemplary Sino-Congolese joint venture. Committed to responsible mining, the company embeds Zijin’s philosophy of “Development for All” into its operations. Over the years, it has implemented programs to help improve local infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihoods, building a shared future with its host communities.