{"id":3197,"date":"2023-03-03T10:38:05","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T10:38:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tantalexlithium.com\/lydia-mbaka-mon-premier-recit-a-manono\/"},"modified":"2023-04-21T17:48:35","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T17:48:35","slug":"lydia-mbaka-mon-premier-recit-a-manono","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tantalexlithium.com\/fr\/lydia-mbaka-mon-premier-recit-a-manono\/","title":{"rendered":"LYDIA MBAKA – MON PREMIER RECIT \u00c0 MANONO"},"content":{"rendered":"

Depuis l\u2019univers de la banque, en passant par la communication et finalement me voici dans les mines, voici mon premier r\u00e9cit : r\u00e9cit d’une immersion \u00e0 Manono, aux traces de mon g\u00e9niteur ing\u00e9nieur des mines.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kinshasa. le 1er f\u00e9vrier 2023. D\u00e9part pour Manono dans le Tanganyika. Mon \u00eatre est loin de se douter de la port\u00e9e extraordinaire en lisse et des exp\u00e9riences m\u00e9morables \u00e0 venir.<\/p>\n

Moi, de la fratrie des \u00ab\u00a0enfants GECAMINES\u00a0\u00bb, descendante d\u2019un ancien patron de cette entreprise au pass\u00e9 mythique.<\/p>\n

Moi, qui ne m\u2019int\u00e9ressait que peu au secteur minier quand mon p\u00e8re, feu Ambroise Mbaka Kawaya d’heureuse m\u00e9moire, m\u2019y conviait lors de nos conversations ; me voici \u00e9merveill\u00e9e par les mines, la roche, les scories, par la production du coltan et surtout la vie de ces hommes et femmes qui vouent leur existence \u00e0 remuer la terre pour en extirper des minerais essentiels au fonctionnement de la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 moderne, \u00e0 la vie.<\/p>\n

Ma conviction et s\u00e9duction pour le projet Tantalex, et sa qu\u00eate de production de lithium tient donc sa gen\u00e8se \u00e0 ma jeune enfance.<\/p>\n

Comme quoi on n\u2019\u00e9chappe pas \u00e0 son destin.<\/p>\n

Moi, citadine et coutumi\u00e8re de la vie cosmopolite des grandes m\u00e9tropoles, habitu\u00e9e des salons et autres \u00e9v\u00e9nements internationaux, ait volontiers troqu\u00e9 mes hauts talons pour ces fascinantes bottes de minier, en qu\u00eate des sentiers battus de Manono.<\/p>\n

Entre la vie bruyante et tr\u00e9pidente des villes et le calme des localit\u00e9s rurales ou semi urbaines, le contraste est saisissant ! Mon appr\u00e9hension (car il y en avait bien une) a vite c\u00e9d\u00e9 le pas \u00e0 l\u2019enthousiasme, notamment gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 l\u2019excellent accueil du staff de Tantalex.<\/p>\n

Notre Directeur g\u00e9n\u00e9ral, Eric Allard, d\u2019un abord facile, a \u00e9t\u00e9 des plus accueillants avant mon d\u00e9part pour MANONO. Eric Gagnon, nouveau dans la bo\u00eete comme moi, s\u2019occupe de l\u2019Environnement, de la Bonne gouvernance et du Social, d\u2019un humour inattendu et smart, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u2019un grand apport dans cette aventure. Yves Kabongo, devenu coll\u00e8gue mais au d\u00e9part un fr\u00e8re, car c\u2019est gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 une conversation cons\u00e9quente lors d\u2019un forum minier l\u2019an dernier que j\u2019ai pu me reconnecter directement avec les mines. Il n\u2019a pas fait partis du voyage mais il a \u00e9t\u00e9 pour beaucoup, d\u2019une \u00e9nergie positive et encourageante.\u00a0\u00a0 Et que dire de Herv\u00e9 Kitolo? Il est avenant, serviable, une personne avec une certaine exp\u00e9rience de Manono et il a fait en sorte que notre s\u00e9jour soit le plus hustlle free<\/em> possible. Envers tous, je dis un grand merci pour leur sollicitude.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C\u2019est aux pas de charge que ma mission d\u2019une semaine a commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 Manono. Aussit\u00f4t arriv\u00e9s, nous avons pris possession de nos logements. Plus de peur que de mal, c\u2019\u00e9tait une chambre individuelle avec une douche privative. Bien que privatif, le guest house \u00e9tait rustique, pour ne pas dire vieux. Mais son jardin verdoyant \u00e0 la pelouse bien tondue est une merveille. La chaleur du personnel de cette maison de passage a aussi compens\u00e9 le c\u00f4t\u00e9 spartiate de notre abri.<\/p>\n

C\u2019est avec le chef des g\u00e9ologues, Didier Kinyanga, que nous avons fait la premi\u00e8re r\u00e9union. D\u2019une gentillesse remarquable et d\u2019un flegme rassurant, Didier nous a bross\u00e9s l\u2019historique du projet Tantalex et ses d\u00e9fis. C\u2019est donc avec lui et ses \u00e9quipes que j\u2019ai palp\u00e9 du doigt l\u2019ampleur du projet TANTALEX et l\u2019espoir que cela suscite dans le territoire de Manono.<\/p>\n

Je me suis rendue aux deux camps de TANTALEX. L\u2019un, principal pied \u00e0 terre des g\u00e9ologues et l\u2019autre, o\u00f9 plusieurs disciplines se c\u00f4toient.<\/p>\n

Au QG des g\u00e9ologues, j\u2019ai eu droit \u00e0 des \u00e9claircissements sur le formidable travail d\u2019exploration fait par l\u2019\u00e9quipe. Des notions comme maillage, ressources, r\u00e9serves, \u00e9chantillons de forage, remblais, tailings, r\u00e9sidus, graviers, rejets, gangue, scories, teneur de coupure, spodum\u00e8ne, pegmatite, \u00e9tudes min\u00e9ralogiques, \u00e9tudes m\u00e9tallurgiques, alluvions, roche dure, etc., m\u2019ont \u00e9t\u00e9 distill\u00e9es avec brio par Didier Kinyanga. L\u2019\u00e9cole buissonni\u00e8re \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9cole de mon papa, m\u2019a rattrap\u00e9e des ann\u00e9es plus tard. Et int\u00e9rieurement en ces moments-l\u00e0 je sens une flame endormie se ravivait.<\/p>\n

Le chef des g\u00e9ologues m\u2019a racont\u00e9, sous sa voix monocorde, la vision, les d\u00e9fis, les projets et les r\u00e9alisations de TANTALEX. Son expos\u00e9 \u00e9tait \u00e9difiant pour moi. En ma qualit\u00e9 de Responsable des relations publiques et de la communication, je dois absolument \u00eatre au courant, et dans les moindres d\u00e9tails du projet TANTALEX afin d\u2019\u00eatre la plus efficace possible dans mes rapports avec les tiers.<\/p>\n

A la suite de Didier, Dwaye, responsable des \u00e9tudes environnementales a fait aussi un expos\u00e9 passionnant sur les d\u00e9fis \u00e9cologiques. En l\u2019\u00e9coutant, j\u2019\u00e9tais \u00e0 la fois fi\u00e8re et rassur\u00e9e de participer \u00e0 un projet vert.\u00a0 Ma joie c\u2019est aussi de constater que le projet Tantalex comporte une port\u00e9e humaine cons\u00e9quente. Il met l\u2019homme au centre de ses pr\u00e9occupations.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai trouv\u00e9 des travailleurs \u00e9panouis. L\u2019ambiance est \u00e0 la fois studieuse, joyeuse et conviviale dans les camps de travail. Tout le personnel de Tantalex nous a r\u00e9serv\u00e9s un accueil chaleureux. Que tous, trouvent ici, l\u2019expression de ma gratitude. J\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 aussi marqu\u00e9e par la propret\u00e9 des locaux de Tantalex. Indispensable pour garder les agents en bonne sant\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Vint le moment de descendre sur terrain. Ma premi\u00e8re descente fut de me rendre sur les 11 d\u00e9charges qui contiennent du lithium. C\u2019est impressionnant de les voir. La vue y est imprenable. Le silence y est reposant. De nos g\u00e9ologues, j\u2019ai appris que ces rejets sont les d\u00e9chets de l\u2019ancienne mine d\u2019\u00e9tain de GEOMINES.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ma deuxi\u00e8me visite, fut la descente \u00e0 Lubule pour visiter le projet Titan, un projet de production industrielle de coltan et d\u2019\u00e9tain \u00e0 partir des minerais de cassit\u00e9rite. Pour se rendre \u00e0 Lubule, il faut pr\u00e8s de 3 heures de route. C\u2019est l\u2019occasion pour moi de d\u00e9couvrir la route de 46 KM trac\u00e9e et construite par Tantalex pour relier la mine \u00e0 l\u2019usine afin d\u2019\u00eatre totalement ind\u00e9pendant et ne pas partager, bien qu\u2019il en ait pleinement le droit, la route commune avec une autre soci\u00e9t\u00e9 mini\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

A Lubule, j\u2019ai vu le nouveau camp de travailleurs. Il est bien et intelligemment am\u00e9nag\u00e9. Il permet un gain de productivit\u00e9 pour les travailleurs qui b\u00e2tissent l\u2019usine du projet Titan (UNICOM).<\/p>\n

Sur le chantier, j\u2019ai vu des travailleurs motiv\u00e9s, dont la plupart fils du terroir, qui conduisent des engins lourds.\u00a0 A Lubule, j\u2019ai pu remarquer aussi que TANTALEX a de bons rapports avec les artisanaux miniers. Des relations de confiance \u00e0 maintenir pour une meilleure cohabitation. Cette cohabitation pacifique passe par leur encadrement.<\/p>\n

Lubule, qui doit entrer en production en mai prochain, ne se donne pas de r\u00e9pit. Les va-et-vient des engins lourds transforment ce paysage sauvage en une vaste zone industrielle pr\u00eate \u00e0 accueillir l\u2019usine. Une usine que j\u2019ai vue dans un entrep\u00f4t \u00e0 Manono. Et qui n\u2019attend qu\u2019\u00e0 \u00eatre assembl\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Il y a tellement \u00e0 dire sur ce projet passionnant. Une chose est s\u00fbre : TANTALEX suscite bcp d\u2019espoirs dans la population. C\u2019est le seul projet avanc\u00e9 de production industrielle de lithium et de coltan. Mais la bonne perception de Tantalex a commenc\u00e9 bien avant la construction des infrastructures mini\u00e8res. D\u2019apr\u00e8s des explications, tout part des actions sociales pos\u00e9es par elle. D\u2019abord sa contribution \u00e0 endiguer une \u00e9pid\u00e9mie de rougeole qui d\u00e9cimait les enfants de MANONO. TANTALEX, en phase d\u2019investissement, a pos\u00e9 un geste qui a marqu\u00e9 Manono. Ensuite, ses deux campagnes successives d\u2019op\u00e9rations chirurgicales gratuites, ont fini par convaincre la population du Tanganyika que TANTALEX est v\u00e9ritablement leur alli\u00e9. J\u2019ai visit\u00e9 des ex-malades qui ont b\u00e9n\u00e9fici\u00e9 de cette campagne. Ils sont extr\u00eamement reconnaissants envers Tantalex.<\/p>\n

Tous les leaders communautaires que j\u2019ai rencontr\u00e9s m\u2019ont dit du bien de Tantalex. C\u2019est un capital confiance \u00e0 maintenir pour la p\u00e9rennit\u00e9 du projet. Du pr\u00e9sident de la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 civile (Abb\u00e9 Moise) au grand chef Luba en passant par la presse, tous sont \u00e9logieux envers Tantalex.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Il y a tellement \u00e0 dire sur ma vir\u00e9e dans les mines de Manono ! Je suis satisfaite et reconnaissante \u00e0 Tantalex pour cette opportunit\u00e9. Elle me r\u00e9concilie en quelque sorte avec mon p\u00e8re, Ing\u00e9nieur civil m\u00e9tallurgiste de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de Lubumbashi (UOC), sp\u00e9cialiste en raffinage de cuivre par voie \u00e9lectrolytique et en hydrom\u00e9tallurgie des m\u00e9taux non ferreux., qui voulait que j\u2019embrassas sa belle carri\u00e8re. Aujourd\u2019hui, je suis sur ses pas d\u2019une certaine mani\u00e8re. Et j\u2019en suis fi\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

Ma plus grande satisfaction est d\u2019ordre moral : voir un projet minier de qualit\u00e9 sur mes terres, un projet qui va soulager la population. Une population qui m\u2019a \u00e9mu par moment jusqu\u2019aux larmes. Je n\u2019ai pas support\u00e9 voir la d\u00e9tresse des enfants aux ventres ballonn\u00e9s qui souffrent de malnutrition aigu\u00eb.<\/p>\n

C\u2019est pourquoi, lors de notre rencontre avec le nouvel administrateur, nous lui avons fait comprendre sa responsabilit\u00e9 dans la gestion de la cit\u00e9 pour que les investisseurs s\u00e9rieux qui ont pris des risques, soit accompagn\u00e9 sur tout le processus de cr\u00e9ation des richesses.<\/p>\n

Que vive Manono, Que vive Tantalex et ses filiales, MINOCOM et UNICOM.<\/p>\n

Que vive la RDC<\/p>\n

Lydia MBAKA<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the world of banking, through communication and finally here I am in the exploration and mining, here is my first story: the story of an immersion in Manono, in the footsteps of my father, a mining engineer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kinshasa. February 1st, 2023. Departure for Manono in Tanganyika. My being is far from suspecting the extraordinary scope in smooth and memorable experiences to come.<\/p>\n

I, of the siblings of the \u00ab\u00a0GECAMINES children\u00a0\u00bb, descendant of a former boss of this company with a mythical past.<\/p>\n

I, who was only slightly interested in the mining sector when my father, the late Ambroise Mbaka Kawaya of happy memory, invited me during our conversations; here I am amazed by the mines, the rock, the slag, by the production of coltan and especially the life of these men and women who devote their lives to move the earth to extract minerals essential to the functioning of modern society, to life.<\/p>\n

My conviction and seduction for the Tantalex project, and its quest for lithium production, is therefore rooted in my early childhood.<\/p>\n

As if one cannot escape one’s destiny.<\/p>\n

I, a city dweller and accustomed to the cosmopolitan life of large metropolises, accustomed to trade fairs and other international events, willingly exchanged my high heels for these fascinating mining boots, in search of the beaten track of Manono.<\/p>\n

Between the noisy and hectic life of the cities and the calm of the rural or semi-urban localities, the contrast is striking! My apprehension (for there was indeed one) quickly gave way to enthusiasm, especially thanks to the excellent welcome of the Tantalex staff.<\/p>\n

Our General Manager, Eric Allard, was very welcoming before my departure for MANONO. Eric Gagnon, new to the company like me, is in charge of the Environment, Good Governance and Social, with an unexpected and smart sense of humor, he has been a great asset in this adventure. Yves Kabongo, now a colleague but initially a brother, because it is thanks to a consequent conversation during a mining forum last year that I was able to reconnect directly with the mines. He was not part of the trip but he was for many, a positive and encouraging energy. \u00a0And what about Herv\u00e9 Kitolo? He is friendly, helpful, a person with some experience of Manono and he made our stay as hassle free as possible. To all of them, I say a big thank you for their solicitude.<\/p>\n

My one-week mission in Manono began at full speed. As soon as we arrived, we took possession of our accommodations. More fear than harm, it was a single room with a private shower. Although private, the guest house was rustic, not to say old. But its green garden with a well-mown lawn is a wonder. The warmth of the staff of this guest house also compensated for the spartan nature of our shelter.<\/p>\n

We had our first meeting with the head geologist, Didier Kinyanga. With a remarkable kindness and a reassuring calmness and manners, Didier gave us the history of the Tantalex project and its challenges. It was with him and his teams that I felt the magnitude of the TANTALEX project and the hope that it raises in the territory of Manono.<\/p>\n

I visited the two TANTALEX camps. One, the main base for the geologists, and the other, where several disciplines work together in a warehouse.<\/p>\n

At the geologists’ HQ, I was given explanations about the great exploration and mining work done by the team. Concepts such as mesh size, resources, reserves, drill samples, backfill, tailings, gravels, rejects, gangue, slag, cut-off grade, spodumene, pegmatite, mineralogical studies, metallurgical studies, alluvium, hard rock, etc., were brilliantly distilled for me by Didier Kinyanga. The truancy at my dad’s school caught up with me years later. And inwardly in those moments I feel a sleeping flame revived.<\/p>\n

The head geologist told me, in his monotone voice, about the vision, challenges, projects and achievements of TANTALEX. I found his presentation inspiring. As Public Relations and Communication Manager, I absolutely have to know about the TANTALEX project in detail in order to be as effective as possible in my dealings with third parties.<\/p>\n

Following Didier, Dwaye, in charge of environmental studies, also gave a fascinating presentation on the ecological challenges. Listening to him, I was both proud and reassured to participate in a green project.\u00a0 I was also happy to see that the Tantalex project has a significant human dimension. It puts people at the center of its concerns.<\/p>\n

I have found workers who are fulfilled. The atmosphere in the work camps is studious, joyful and friendly. All the staff of Tantalex have reserved a warm welcome for us. I would like to express my gratitude to all of them. I was also impressed by the cleanliness of the Tantalex premises. Essential to keep the agents in good health.<\/p>\n

The time came to go down to the field. My first trip down was to the 11 lithium dumps. It is impressive to see them. The view is breathtaking. The silence is restful. From our geologists, I learned that these discharges are the waste of the old tin mine of GEOMINES.<\/p>\n

My second visit was the descent to Lubule to visit the TiTan project, our 2nd<\/sup> project, a project for the industrial production of coltan and tin from cassiterite ores. To get to Lubule. This is an opportunity for me to discover the 46 km road that Tantalex has built to link the mine to the factory in order to be totally independent and not share, although it has every right to do so, the common road with another mining companies. In Lubule, I saw the new workers’ camp. It is well and intelligently laid out. It provides a productivity gain for the workers building the Titan (UNICOM) project plant.<\/p>\n

On the site, I saw motivated workers, most of them sons of the soil, driving heavy machinery.\u00a0 In Lubule, I also noticed that TANTALEX has a good relationship with the the local inhabitants. Relationships based on trust must be maintained for better cohabitation. This peaceful cohabitation requires constant management and trust.<\/p>\n

TiTan project, which is due to go into production in May, is not giving itself a break. The comings and goings of heavy machinery are transforming this wild landscape into a vast work zone ready to welcome the factory. A factory that I saw in a warehouse in Manono. And it is just waiting to be assembled.<\/p>\n

There is so much to say about this exciting projects. One thing is for sure: TANTALEX raises a lot of hopes in the population. It is the only advanced project for industrial production of lithium and coltan. But the good perception of Tantalex started long before the construction of the mining infrastructure. According to explanations, everything started from the social actions taken by the company.<\/p>\n

First of all, its contribution to curb a measles epidemic that was decimating the children of MANONO. TANTALEX, although just being in its investment phase, made a gesture that left its mark on Manono. Then, its two successive campaigns of free surgeries of about 400 people ended up convincing the population of Tanganyika that TANTALEX is truly their ally. I have visited former patients who have benefited from this campaign. I was personally very touched by the words they have shared, they are extremely grateful to Tantalex.<\/p>\n

All the community leaders I have met have spoken highly of Tantalex. This is a capital of trust to be maintained for the sustainability of the project. From the president of the civil society (Abb\u00e9 Moise) to the Luba Grand Chief and the press, they all speak highly of Tantalex.<\/p>\n

There is so much to say about my trip to the Manono exploration and mining! I am satisfied and grateful to Tantalex for this opportunity. It reconciles me in a way with my father, a civil metallurgist engineer from the University of Lubumbashi (UOC), specialized in electrolytic copper refining and hydrometallurgy of non-ferrous metals, who wanted me to embrace his beautiful career. Today, I am following in his footsteps in a way. And I am proud of it.<\/p>\n

My greatest satisfaction is moral: to see a quality exploration and mining project on my land, a project that will relieve the population. A population that moved me at times to tears. I could not bear to see the distress of children with bloated bellies who suffer from acute malnutrition.<\/p>\n

This is why, during our meeting with the new administrator, we made him understand his responsibility in the management of the city so that serious investors who have taken risks, be accompanied throughout the process of creating wealth.<\/p>\n

Long live Manono, long live Tantalex and its subsidiaries, MINOCOM and UNICOM.<\/p>\n

Long live the DRC<\/p>\n

Lydia MBAKA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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