TFM's response to the allegations of unfair compensation and relocation process
Response to the Business & Human Rights Resource Center’s Requests Regarding Community Relocation Concerns
We take note of the concerns raised regarding the relocation of the Manomapia and Kabombwa villages within the TFM concession in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as the related articles shared in your email on December 17, 2024. As a responsible operator and a subsidiary of CMOC group, TFM is committed to upholding the group’s principles by ensuring that all relocation and compensation processes adhere to international good practices, are transparent, and prioritize the well-being of affected communities.
Relocation of Manomapia
At the beginning of 2024, TFM’s community liaison team received a complaint from a group of Manomapia residents concerning alleged air emissions from TFM’s new plant. Recognizing the importance of these concerns, TFM promptly commissioned an independent investigation led by Skyside, a qualified third-party expert. The findings, corroborated by TFM’s ISO 14001-certified environmental management system and ongoing monitoring, confirmed compliance with the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines and demonstrated that air emissions were effectively managed.
To foster social harmony and at the initiative of the Lualaba provincial government, TFM agreed to establish a restriction zone and facilitate the relocation of Manomapia. This decision addressed the community’s expectations and accounted for the evolving needs of the local population.
Under the leadership of local authorities, a designated committee was established to oversee the relocation process, comprising representatives from the community, NGOs, government, and TFM. This committee ensured transparency, equity, and adherence to best practices. Compensation rates were determined based on annual market studies, reviewed, and approved by the committee before implementation. Meeting minutes and records of these decisions were signed by all stakeholders to maintain accountability.
As of now, 91% of eligible individuals have received compensation in the first phase, with the second phase underway. The grievance mechanism remains active, with 185 grievances recorded, of which 170 have already been resolved and closed. Regular progress reports from the committee have been shared with all relevant stakeholders to maintain transparency.
Relocation of Kabombwa
The relocation of Kabombwa, completed in March 2024, similarly adhered to international good practices. This process began following allegations that operations at TFM’s lime plant caused skin conditions in the community. Independent testing by multiple third-party laboratories found no scientific evidence linking TFM’s activities to the alleged health issues.
In response to the concerns raised and at the request of the community and local government, TFM supported the relocation process, which was led by the government in collaboration with Kabombwa residents, civil society, and TFM. The Kabombwa relocation commission included 12 representatives nominated by the villagers, ensuring that community voices guided the process.
TFM adopted provincial compensation rates, which exceeded local market levels, as a gesture of goodwill to enhance the livelihoods of affected residents. Media representatives and organizations such as South Africa Resource Watch (SARW) were involved to ensure transparent monitoring and to mitigate misinformation. TFM’s grievance system remained operational throughout, enabling concerns to be voiced and addressed comprehensively.
Commitment to Transparency and Community Well-Being
While recent media reports have raised concerns, we wish to provide additional context and verified data to ensure a full understanding of the situation. TFM remains committed to maintaining open communication and ensuring that all community relocation processes meet international standards, including IFC Performance Standard 5. Our efforts prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and the long-term well-being of affected populations.
Relocations such as those of Manomapia and Kabombwa are opportunities to improve living conditions, and we continue to engage with stakeholders to address their expectations constructively.
We welcome ongoing dialogue with the Business & Human Rights Resource Center and other stakeholders to ensure clarity and transparency regarding our operations and their social impact.
For additional context, please refer to recent articles regarding the above-mentioned process:
Manomapia
https://twitter.com/wembi_steve/status/1790373674597409134?s=46&t=EMwBA8KbQx7xPNVqea4vn
Kabombwa
