Artisanal Miners in Lwisha Battle Harassment and Exploitation
In the artisanal mining sites of Lwisha, located in the Haut-Katanga province, numerous state services, often illegally present, alongside artisanal diggers, decry arbitrary harassment and taxes.
At sites like “Kasonga” or “Double Band,” where copper is extracted by artisanal diggers, abuses by state services have been highlighted. The locality, situated 75 km from Lubumbashi, faces persistent challenges.
Artisanal miners endure deplorable conditions, with most of their earnings falling into the hands of various state services controlling the region. Each visit to the sites entails paying exorbitant and unjustified taxes and fees to different state departments.
“We face harassment from state services unnecessarily,” revealed Jean-Pierre, a digger at the site. “They demand payment at the mere sight of anyone with goods. Refusal leads to threats, even violence. It’s alarming!” added François Ngoie.
This situation perpetuates a cycle of poverty for the miners, as the majority of their income is siphoned off by these services.
The challenges in Lwisha exemplify broader issues facing artisanal miners in Haut-Katanga, renowned for its copper, cobalt, and zinc reserves. Corruption, exploitation, and lack of social protection were highlighted in a survey conducted by MINES.CD among artisanal miners in Kembe and Katanga chiefdoms.
In response, miners demand fairness and respect for their rights. “We are responsible individuals, deserving of fair treatment. The state must ensure better structuring of this sector,” argued one artisanal operator.
