DRC Mines Minister Suspends SAEMAPE Director Amid Rising Tensions in Lualaba’s Artisanal Mining Sector
DRC Suspends SAEMAPE Director as Government Moves to Address Illegal Artisanal Mining in Lualaba and Haut-Katanga
Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Mines Louis Kabamba Watum has suspended Jean-Paul Kapongo Kadiobo, Director General of the Service for Assistance and Supervision of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE), amid growing concerns over illegal artisanal mining activities in the country’s key mining regions.
The suspension was formalized through a ministerial order signed on October 21, 2026, and took immediate effect.
The Ministry’s Secretary General has been tasked with implementing the decision.
According to the order, Kapongo is accused of failing to take the necessary measures to prevent illegal artisanal mining within concession areas legally allocated to mining companies, particularly in the provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga.
These concessions are reserved for licensed mining operators and are not authorized for artisanal mining activities.
The ministry also alleges that SAEMAPE improperly established revenue collection services within concession areas.
Authorities argue that these actions interfered with the rights of mining title holders and potentially exposed the state to legal and financial liabilities arising from damages suffered by third parties.
Growing Tensions in Lualaba
The suspension comes amid rising tensions between artisanal miners and government authorities in Lualaba Province.
On October 20, hundreds of artisanal miners reportedly staged demonstrations in Kolwezi for a second consecutive day.
Protesters erected roadblocks, burned tyres and clashes were reported in several parts of the city, highlighting growing frustrations surrounding access to mining areas and the regulation of artisanal mining operations.
Although the ministerial order does not directly link the suspension to the recent unrest, the timing has drawn increased attention to governance challenges within the artisanal mining sector.
SAEMAPE Faces Increased Scrutiny
SAEMAPE is responsible for overseeing, supporting and regulating artisanal and small-scale mining activities across the DRC.
Established in 2017, the agency plays a crucial role in formalizing the artisanal mining sector and ensuring compliance with national mining laws.
The suspension order was issued under provisions contained in both the agency’s founding decree and the country’s Mining Code.
However, authorities have not announced how long the suspension will remain in effect or whether an interim replacement will be appointed.
No public response from Kapongo had been released at the time of publication.
Focus on Mining Governance
The development underscores the Congolese government’s increasing efforts to strengthen oversight of artisanal mining activities, particularly in regions where informal mining frequently overlaps with industrial concessions.
As the DRC continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s leading producers of copper and cobalt, improving mining governance, curbing illegal mining activities and balancing the interests of industrial operators and artisanal miners remain critical priorities for the sector.
