DRC Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Gold Mining in Ituri Amid Major Sector Reform Push
DRC Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Gold Mining in Ituri as Government Seizes Equipment and Orders Site Closures
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified enforcement actions against illegal activities in the mining sector, signaling a stricter regulatory approach aimed at restoring order and accountability in the industry.
During a field mission in eastern DRC, the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, ordered the immediate closure of several illegal gold mining sites in the Djalasiga chiefdom, located in Mahagi territory.
The operation underscores the government’s determination to curb widespread fraudulent mining practices and reassert state control over natural resources.
Illegal Mining Operations Exposed in Ituri
The crackdown is part of a broader campaign against the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, particularly in Ituri Province, where gold remains both a vital economic asset and a persistent source of insecurity and governance challenges.
Field teams deployed in Aru and Mahagi territories identified multiple mining sites allegedly operated by foreign actors without valid mining titles or official authorization. Investigations revealed serious violations, including:
- Use of heavy mining machinery without permits
- Absence of legal operating licenses
- Non-compliance with environmental regulations
In response, the Minister ordered the immediate seizure of equipment, closure of the illegal sites, and referral of offenders to judicial authorities for prosecution.
“Impunity will no longer be tolerated,” the Minister declared while addressing local officials and community representatives.
Broader Mining Sector Reform Agenda
Beyond enforcement actions, the mission is part of a wider strategy to reform the mining sector and strengthen governance structures.
Since April 20, 2026, Minister Kabamba has been conducting field visits across Bas-Uélé, Ituri, and Maniema provinces to assess operational conditions and identify structural weaknesses within the sector.
Key priorities of the reform agenda include:
- Regulation and formalization of artisanal mining
- Revitalization of the state-owned mining company SOKIMO
- Strict enforcement of mining laws and regulations
- Improved distribution of mining revenues to benefit local communities
In Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, the Minister held discussions with military governor Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya Nkashama and other administrative and political leaders.
The meeting focused on restoring effective state authority in a region still affected by insecurity and armed activity.
Addressing Illegal Mining and Its Wider Impact
Authorities emphasize that combating illegal mining goes beyond law enforcement. It is closely linked to broader national priorities such as:
- Securing public revenue
- Protecting the environment from degradation
- Ensuring equitable distribution of mineral wealth
In resource-rich regions like Ituri, illegal gold mining fuels informal economies that deprive the state of revenue while reinforcing parallel power structures.
Local communities, in many cases, receive little to no benefit from the exploitation of nearby resources.
Toward Stronger State Control in the Mining Sector
Through intensified inspections, enforcement actions, and institutional reforms, the government is signalling a shift toward stricter and more transparent governance of the mining industry.
However, analysts note that the long-term success of these efforts will depend on sustained implementation, institutional stability, and deep structural reforms capable of transforming the mining sector into a driver of inclusive and sustainable development.
