Integrating Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Management of Critical Minerals and Hydrogen in Eastern DRC
Tracks
Kuranda Ballroom
| Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM |
Speaker
Mr Shaloom Mbambu Kabeya
Lecturer
Institut Supérieur des Techniques Appliquées (ISTA)
Integrating Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Management of Critical Minerals and Hydrogen in Eastern DRC
ISE Congress 2026 Abstract
Introduction:
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosts sedimentary basins rich in critical minerals vital for global clean energy technologies. Beyond their industrial potential, these geological systems are deeply embedded within local ecosystems and Indigenous cultural landscapes. The sustainable use of these basins requires integrating Indigenous Biocultural Knowledge (IBK) into modern resource management frameworks. This study explores how the convergence of traditional ecological wisdom and scientific approaches can promote sustainable life cycle management of critical minerals and geological hydrogen.
Methodology:
A mixed-methods approach was used, combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), GIS-based spatial analysis, and ethnographic fieldwork. Geological and environmental data were analyzed to assess the suitability of sedimentary basins for mineral extraction, carbon capture, and hydrogen storage. Parallel community consultations and participatory mapping identified Indigenous practices related to land stewardship, water protection, and mineral use. The integration of both data streams created a hybrid knowledge model for resource governance.
Results and Discussion:
Findings reveal that Indigenous land-use practices offer valuable insights into ecosystem resilience and can guide environmentally sensitive mining and energy operations. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into the LCA framework enhanced spatial accuracy and reduced potential environmental conflicts. Moreover, collaborative decision-making between scientists, local leaders, and Indigenous communities fosters social acceptance and long-term sustainability in resource development.
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates that combining scientific and Indigenous biocultural systems strengthens sustainable management of sedimentary basins in Eastern DRC. This integrated approach supports climate resilience, ethical industrial transitions, and community empowerment aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Keywords:
Biocultural Sustainability; Critical Minerals; Decarbonization; Eastern DRC; Hydrogen; Indigenous Knowledge; Life Cycle Assessment; Natural Resource Management
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosts sedimentary basins rich in critical minerals vital for global clean energy technologies. Beyond their industrial potential, these geological systems are deeply embedded within local ecosystems and Indigenous cultural landscapes. The sustainable use of these basins requires integrating Indigenous Biocultural Knowledge (IBK) into modern resource management frameworks. This study explores how the convergence of traditional ecological wisdom and scientific approaches can promote sustainable life cycle management of critical minerals and geological hydrogen.
Methodology:
A mixed-methods approach was used, combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), GIS-based spatial analysis, and ethnographic fieldwork. Geological and environmental data were analyzed to assess the suitability of sedimentary basins for mineral extraction, carbon capture, and hydrogen storage. Parallel community consultations and participatory mapping identified Indigenous practices related to land stewardship, water protection, and mineral use. The integration of both data streams created a hybrid knowledge model for resource governance.
Results and Discussion:
Findings reveal that Indigenous land-use practices offer valuable insights into ecosystem resilience and can guide environmentally sensitive mining and energy operations. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into the LCA framework enhanced spatial accuracy and reduced potential environmental conflicts. Moreover, collaborative decision-making between scientists, local leaders, and Indigenous communities fosters social acceptance and long-term sustainability in resource development.
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates that combining scientific and Indigenous biocultural systems strengthens sustainable management of sedimentary basins in Eastern DRC. This integrated approach supports climate resilience, ethical industrial transitions, and community empowerment aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Keywords:
Biocultural Sustainability; Critical Minerals; Decarbonization; Eastern DRC; Hydrogen; Indigenous Knowledge; Life Cycle Assessment; Natural Resource Management
Biography
Shaloom Mbambu Kabeya
Architect and Environmental Engineering graduate, with a Master’s in Social Innovation Design. University lecturer in the DRC, coordinator of rural and sustainable development projects. His research focuses on academic integrity, natural resource management, renewable energy, and sustainable development in sedimentary basins and higher education.
