DRC Civil Society Urges Crackdown on Illegal Gold Mining in Haut-Uélé
DRC’s Haut-Uélé Faces Environmental Threats from Illegal Gold Mining by Foreigners, Civil Society Calls for Expulsions
The Congolese League for the Fight against Corruption (LICOCO) has raised alarm over the anarchic and illegal exploitation of gold in Haut-Uélé province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The civil society organization is urging the provincial governor to expel illegal operators, particularly Chinese nationals and other foreigners.
In a press release dated September 4, 2025, LICOCO Executive Secretary Ernest Mpararo expressed concerns about the environmental impact of illegal mining activities, including river pollution and ecosystem destruction, caused by operators who disregard national mining laws and standards.
“Illegal gold mining by Chinese and other foreign nationals in Haut-Uélé has been ongoing for several years. These activities are destroying the ecosystem and polluting rivers, using toxic substances such as cyanide and mercury,” the statement read.
The organization identified illegal mining sites in the Watsa territory (Beverendi and Moku) and Faradje territory (Abinva, Makoro, and Logo Doka), noting that approximately 80 excavators are currently damaging the environment.
LICOCO highlighted the broader social impact, explaining that roads built for local communities are being destroyed, and villagers can no longer fish due to river contamination. According to a local fisherman, “The provincial authorities have sent a mission to the sites, resulting in the expulsion of over 80 Chinese nationals to date.”
The statement also noted that these enforcement actions have angered certain politically exposed individuals, who have reportedly issued threats against provincial authorities.
LICOCO is calling on the Governor to suspend any state agents who support or enable illegal mining, emphasizing that such activities undermine both provincial and national revenues. The organization also urges civil society groups to report illegal mining operations to local authorities.
Finally, LICOCO is appealing to the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior to fully support the expulsion operations and to collaborate with the Minister of National Defense to prevent the military from assisting illegal miners.
