CAMI Chair Denounces Illegal Mining in Tshopo Province, Promises Reforms
During a mission to Kisangani, Crispin Mbindule, President of the Board of Directors of the Mining Registry (CAMI), confirmed the illegal exploitation of mining resources in Mangi, Tshopo Province. After verifying reports, Mbindule acknowledged the claims made by civil society.
“Indeed, the allegations of illegal mining activities in Mangi are true. We found that several companies are operating without valid permits,” he stated.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Mbindule met with the president of the civil society in Banalia Territory and the provincial Mining Cadastre directorate to address issues related to mining activities in the area.
He assured local communities that their grievances would be relayed to the national Minister of Mines and emphasized the need to regularize mining operations. “Any mining company must comply with the laws of the Congolese state before beginning any activity,” Mbindule added.
The PCA highlighted the use of forged exploration and exploitation permits, many originating from Uganda. “We discovered falsified permits being used by some operators, which undermines regulations and the national economy,” he said, vowing strict measures to restore order and prosecute violators.
Mbindule also called on local economic players, including traditional chiefs, to legally participate in the mining sector. “Mining is not reserved for foreigners. With simplified procedures, Congolese citizens can also engage in this sector,” he encouraged.
Dieudonné Maindo, president of the civil society in Banalia Territory, raised serious concerns about anarchic mining in Mangi, particularly implicating companies like Coopemu and Oracle. “These companies claim ownership of mining plots but fail to meet the requirements of the Mining Registry,” he said.
Maindo also condemned the environmental and social damage caused by these activities. “Our forests are being destroyed, our waters polluted, and the Télé River—vital for fishing and supplying Tshopo and Bas-Uélé provinces—is heavily contaminated,” he explained.
Despite efforts by the Provincial Assembly of Tshopo to suspend illegal mining activities, Maindo revealed that operations continue unabated, with Chinese-owned machinery active in the area.
The mission by Mbindule aims to assess the mining challenges in Tshopo Province and address the ongoing illegal exploitation of resources.
Civil society has consistently criticized the inaction of provincial authorities, demanding stronger enforcement and accountability.
Mbindule’s visit underscores CAMI’s commitment to addressing illegal mining, enforcing compliance, and ensuring the responsible exploitation of Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
