The governor of South Kivu, an eastern Congolese province rich in minerals, has ordered an immediate suspension of all mining activities. This decision aims to restore order and ensure the traceability of mineral production in the region. Mining companies, businesses, and cooperatives have been given 72 hours to vacate exploitation sites.
The province, known for its gold and coltan deposits, has been plagued by violence from armed groups for nearly three decades. Chinese companies are particularly active in the area, but frequent attacks on quarries and mining cooperatives have created a volatile situation. The suspension’s economic impact remains uncertain, as thousands of residents depend on mining-related activities.
This isn’t the first time such measures have been implemented. In 2021, a similar order targeted six Chinese mining companies but was later lifted due to political pressure. The government has been working to secure better terms on a significant mining contract with China, which has been deemed insufficiently profitable for the country.
The decision has raised concerns among local business leaders, who worry about its negative impact on economic activities in the province. The opacity of gold exploitation and sales in the region has been a longstanding issue, with UN experts reporting significant volumes of smuggled gold compared to legally marketed amounts.