The Democratic Republic of Congo has freed 14 of the 17 Chinese nationals who were detained last week on charges of operating an illegal gold mine in the resource-rich South Kivu province. The men, now heading back to China, were arrested during a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed mineral extraction in the country. The remaining three detainees are expected to be released soon.
The arrest took place as part of an ongoing government effort to combat illegal mining, which has plagued the region for years, attracting unregulated foreign and local entities seeking to exploit the country’s abundant resources. The 17 Chinese nationals were detained after failing to present the necessary documents to prove the legality of their mining operations. They were apprehended alongside several individuals from Burundi and the DRC, who were also unable to provide proper authorization.
Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, the governor of South Kivu, expressed his shock over the decision to release the detained Chinese nationals, especially since they were found to owe the government $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines. “It is astonishing to learn that they are being freed when they have so many unresolved legal issues,” Sadiki said. “This is a significant blow to efforts to regulate the sector.”
Approximately 60 Chinese nationals were working at the mining site when authorities launched the crackdown. The 17 individuals arrested were identified as those in charge of the illegal operation. While the Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has yet to comment on the release, the embassy of Burundi has confirmed it is awaiting further details from its diplomats in Bukavu.
Bernard Muhindo, South Kivu’s finance minister and acting minister of mines, emphasized the Congolese government’s long-term objective to overhaul the mining industry and eliminate illegal operations. “The goal is not to carry out a manhunt but to clean up the sector. We want to ensure that only reputable, legal partners can contribute to our mining industry,” Muhindo said.
The DRC has been grappling with illegal mining activities for years, as unlicensed companies and armed groups continue to exploit its vast mineral resources, including cobalt, copper, gold, and diamonds. These activities not only rob the state of potential revenue but also contribute to environmental degradation and ongoing security concerns in the region. The competition over mining operations, particularly near the borders with Rwanda, has also led to tensions and sporadic violent clashes between rival factions.
Despite these challenges, the Congolese government remains committed to regulating the sector and improving transparency to attract legitimate investment. However, experts warn that tackling illegal mining will require greater cooperation between local, regional, and international authorities to enforce regulations effectively.