2008年-世界发展银行全球_Assessment_of_the_Central_African_Republic_Mining_Sector_422页_16mb

Summary of the Central African Republic Mining Sector Assessment

Core Content

The Central African Republic (CAR) mining sector is a significant source of revenue and employment, particularly through artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector, focusing on institutional structure, legal framework, fiscal system, diamond marketing chain governance, and the socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining activities.

Key Areas Covered

• Artisanal Mining: The report identifies the role of ASM in providing livelihoods and highlights the need for formalisation and sustainable development.
• Institutional Structure: Details the structure and function of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Hydraulics, General Mining Directorate, and Regional Mining Directorates.
• Legal and Fiscal Framework: Analyzes the legal and fiscal systems governing both large-scale and ASM activities, including tax structures and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
• Diamond Marketing Chain: Examines the governance of the diamond market, including the role of BECDOR and the challenges of fraud and revenue collection.
• Public Finances and Revenue Reconciliation: Discusses the impact of the mining sector on public finances and the discrepancies in revenue data between public and private sources.

Main Points

1. Artisanal Mining Sector

• Artisanal mining is the dominant form of mining in the CAR, producing diamonds and gold.
• It provides employment and a livelihood to thousands of rural Central Africans.
• The sector has potential to contribute to growth and poverty reduction if properly managed and formalised.
• Challenges include lack of formalisation, land tenure issues, child labour, and health and safety concerns.

2. Institutional Capacity and Structure

• The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Hydraulics is the main institution responsible for managing the mining sector.
• The General Mining Directorate and Regional Mining Directorates are part of the administrative framework.
• There are recommendations to restructure the General Mining Directorate, create a Directorate for Geology, and establish Regional Mining Inspectorates to improve management and oversight.

3. Legal and Fiscal Framework

• The legal framework for large-scale mining includes formal procedures for licensing and concessions.
• ASM is governed by a less structured legal system, with limited institutional capacity.
• The report recommends reforms to the fiscal system to reduce leakages and increase transparency.
• The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is a key tool for diamond governance, aiming to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.

4. Diamond Marketing Chain Governance

• The diamond marketing chain involves various actors, including Buying Offices and the BECDOR.
• Revenue from diamond exports can be a major contributor to the CAR's public finances.
• There are significant discrepancies between declared exports and actual revenues, indicating potential fraud and data issues.
• The report calls for improved traceability, valuation, and transparency in the diamond trade.

5. Economic and Social Impact

• Mining contributes to GDP and employment, but its impact on public finances is not fully captured due to data issues.
• The sector has both positive and negative social and environmental impacts, including child labour, health risks, and environmental degradation.
• Recommendations include promoting socially and environmentally responsible mining practices, formalising ASM, and supporting community development through cooperatives.

Key Recommendations

• Institutional Reforms:

  • Creation of a Directorate for Geology.
  • Restructuring of the General Mining Directorate.
  • Establishment of Regional Mining Inspectorates.
  • Creation of a Mining Cadastre and an Office for Precious Minerals.
  • Institutionalising mining security.

• Fiscal Reforms:

  • Enhancing the business environment and reducing fiscal leakages.
  • Improving the management of mining revenues.
  • Promoting transparency and accountability in the fiscal system.

• ASM Development:

  • Formalising ASM and promoting its organisation into cooperatives.
  • Implementing training and outreach programs to improve mining techniques and safety.
  • Encouraging access to finance and credit for small-scale miners.
  • Addressing child labour and promoting gender mainstreaming.

• Diamond Governance:

  • Strengthening diamond traceability and valuation.
  • Ensuring compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
  • Reconciling data between public and private sources to improve transparency.

Conclusion

The report highlights the importance of the mining sector for the CAR's economy and the need for institutional and fiscal reforms to enhance its sustainability and competitiveness. It also underscores the critical role of ASM in rural development and the necessity for better governance and support mechanisms to ensure its responsible growth. The recommendations aim to create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive mining sector that can contribute positively to the national economy and social development.