Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have detained 17 Chinese nationals suspected of operating an illegal gold mine in South Kivu province.
The arrests come amid heightened efforts to combat unlicensed mineral extraction and restore order in the mining sector.
Arrests Made in Unannounced Mine Site Inspection
The arrests occurred after a surprise government visit to a mining site in Karhembo village on Thursday. During a press conference in Bukavu, Bernard Muhindo, South Kivu’s finance minister and acting mines minister, described the circumstances leading to the detentions. 
“We asked them to present us with the company’s documents. There were no documents, zero. No certificate, no status, no national identification, nothing,” Muhindo stated.
Authorities detained 17 Chinese men believed to be in charge, along with several individuals from Congo and neighboring Burundi. Approximately 60 Chinese nationals were reportedly present at the site during the operation.
The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has yet to comment on the arrests, while the Burundian embassy indicated it was awaiting details from its representative in Bukavu.
Escalating Mining Tensions in South Kivu
South Kivu province, rich in minerals such as gold, cobalt, and copper, has been grappling with unregulated mining activities. Armed groups and unlicensed operators have exploited these resources, fueling conflicts in the region bordering Rwanda.
In July, Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki temporarily suspended mining operations, ordering companies to halt activities to “restore order to mining operations.” While mining resumed later, authorities emphasized their continued investigations into illegal practices.
A Broader Problem of Unlicensed Mining
Illegal mining remains a significant challenge for Congo, where enforcement efforts often encounter resistance from well-connected operators. The government has pledged to intensify its crackdown, aiming to curtail unregulated activities that undermine the country’s economy and security.
Read More:
