Draft:Mbaka Kawaya Swana Ambroise

Ambroise Mbaka Kawaya Swana (born May 19, 1949, in Dilolo – July 10, 2015, in Johannesburg) was a Congolese engineer and mining executive who made significant contributions to the metallurgical industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the course of his career, he made notable achievements in various roles, leaving a lasting impact on the Congolese mining sector.

Early Life and Education

Ambroise Mbaka Kawaya Swana, was born in Dilolo, Katanga province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He obtained his A2 Technician degree in electricity and electronics from the Institut Mutoshi in 1968. Later, in 1973, he graduated as a civil metallurgical engineer from the University of Lubumbashi, becoming part of the second promotion of the university.

Professional Career

Gécamines (1973 – 1998)

In 1973, Ambroise Mbaka joined Gécamines and quickly rose through the ranks. Notably:

• 1973 – 1974: Ingénieur chef de service aux usines de Shituru à Likasi, becoming the first Zairian civil metallurgical engineer at Gécamines.
• 1977 – 1986: Director of the hydrometallurgical copper circuit at the Luilu plants in Kolwezi, overseeing the start-up of copper and cobalt hydrometallurgical plants after the KOLWEZI six-day war.
• 1986: Promoted to Deputy Director of hydrometallurgical and thermal plants at Shituru in Likasi.
• 1987 – 1990: Director of the hydrometallurgical plants in Luilu, Kolwezi, overseeing the production of copper cathodes and the start-up of the country's first electrolytic copper refinery.
• 1990: Promoted to Deputy Director of the West Group in Kolwezi, overseeing metallurgy operations in various locations.
• 1992 – 1997: Director of Planning, Research, and Development at Gécamines, introducing joint ventures such as the Tenke Fungurume project.
• 1997 – 1998: Served as Deputy General Delegate and introduced a cobalt strategy to exploit smaller cobalt deposits.

MIBA (2000)

In 2000, Ambroise Kawaya joined MIBA as the Technical Director, overseeing a significant increase in diamond production through reorganization and anti-theft measures.

Ministry of Mines (2000 – 2002)

From 2000 to 2002, he served as the Vice-Minister of Mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo under Presidents Laurent Désiré Kabila and Joseph Kabila. He played a crucial role in formulating the Mining Code and Regulations.

Cadastre Minier (2003 – 2004)

From 2003 to 2004, Ambroise Kawaya served as the first Director General of Mining Cadastre (CAMI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, initiating the implementation of the first Mining Cadastre.

Later Career and Contributions

Ambroise Kawaya was involved in various activities, including being a mining agent, consultant in geology, mining, metallurgy, and mineral processing. He owned mining permits for copper, cobalt, and gold, as well as businesses in sawmilling, carpentry, mechanical workshops, and a hydrometallurgical copper production plant. He also operated a gold mine in Kolwezi and held shares in copper and cobalt mining permits.

Specializations and Achievements

Ambroise Kawaya Swana underwent various management training and seminars. Notably, he played a pivotal role in producing the first copper cathode in the Bas-Congo.

Personal Life

Ambroise Mbaka Kawaya Swana was married and a father of ten children. He passed away on July 10, 2015, in Johannesburg, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership in the Congolese mining industry.