Hundreds protested in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo against illegal mining, spurred by the arrest of three Chinese nationals involved in illicit activities. Local authorities claim numerous unregistered Chinese mining companies extract gold without proper permits. The protestors demanded that local minerals benefit community development, as the area has faced ongoing conflicts and issues related to unregulated mining.
On Wednesday, a significant protest took place in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), involving hundreds of individuals demonstrating against illegal mining activities. This demonstration emerged following the recent arrest of three Chinese nationals, who were apprehended with gold bars and considerable cash amounts, as reported by South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi. Local authorities assert that numerous mining operations, predominantly Chinese, are engaged in gold extraction without proper permits and fail to declare their profits.
Protesters displayed various banners, prominently featuring the message that “South Kivu (province) minerals should serve the development and well-being of communities.” This demonstration was organized by pro-democracy movements and labor unions in the area. Since July, efforts have escalated to crack down on non-compliant mining firms in the region, leading to the suspension of several mining operations deemed illegal.
The eastern DRC is rich in minerals, including gold and diamonds, vital for manufacturing electronics such as mobile phones and electric vehicles. However, this wealth has been juxtaposed against a backdrop of conflict that has persisted for three decades, exacerbated by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which the DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting. In a bid to manage mineral exports better, the DRC government recently granted a monopoly on gold exports to Emirati-Congolese company Primera Gold, though the firm has struggled to mitigate the ongoing black market under its oversight, as highlighted by the Bureau of Scientific and Technical Studies (BEST), a local NGO focused on mining governance.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, notably its eastern regions, is endowed with vast mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and minerals essential for modern technology. However, these resources have not consistently benefitted local communities, leading to widespread illegal mining activities, often conducted by foreign companies. The government has made attempts to regulate this sector, especially against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and external influences, particularly relating to the M23 rebel group and neighboring Rwanda. The ongoing protests highlight local frustrations over the inequitable distribution of mineral wealth and the lack of lawful mining practices in the region.
The protests in eastern DRC underscore the urgent need for regulatory oversight in the mining sector. The community’s demand for accountability reflects wider concerns regarding the management of local resources and the pervasive influence of foreign entities in illegal mining operations. The arrests and suspensions of operations signify ongoing governmental efforts to address these issues, yet the situation remains complicated by external conflicts and the persistence of the black market.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
