Lwisha Artisanal Miners Face Harassment and Exploitation by State Services
At artisanal mining sites in Lwisha, located in the Haut-Katanga province, diggers endure not only the illegal presence of numerous state services but also harassment and arbitrary taxes.
In areas like “Kasonga” or “Double Band,” where copper is extracted, artisanal diggers are subjected to abuses by state services. These services control the region, imposing various taxes and fees without clear justification, plunging diggers into perpetual poverty.
Working under deplorable conditions, diggers in Lufira’s sector face multiple barriers controlled by different state departments, each demanding payments upon each visit. Refusal often leads to threats or violence.
The plight of diggers in Lwisha mirrors broader challenges faced by artisanal miners in Haut-Katanga, a province abundant in copper, cobalt, and zinc. Corruption, exploitation, and lack of social protection persist, undermining the livelihoods of these workers.
Amidst these issues, artisanal miners call for fairness and respect for their rights, urging the state to provide better structure and support for the sector.
