DRC Minister of Mines & Jean-Jacques Purusi Take Action Against Foreign Involvement in Mining Sites
The presence of foreigners in Congolese mines took center stage during a strategic meeting on November 19, which brought together the Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, and South Kivu’s governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi.
The discussions focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities in this resource-rich region while emphasizing the enforcement of Congolese mining laws.
Both officials underscored the necessity of a robust legal framework to ensure that natural resource exploitation adheres to established regulations. Their joint efforts aim to curb illegal activities and strengthen compliance with the country’s mining code.
Separately, Vital Kamerhe, President of the National Assembly, met with the Chinese ambassador to the DRC on the same day. Kamerhe voiced his concerns about expatriates involved in irregular mining activities and highlighted the pressing need to regulate the sector.
President Félix Tshisekedi had previously raised alarm over the growing number of clandestine mining operations led by foreigners.
During the 18th Council of Ministers meeting on October 18, he stressed the importance of enforcing the Congolese mining code to combat such violations.
The provincial government of Haut-Katanga has already taken action. In October, authorities arrested six operators in Kambove territory, including four Chinese and two Lebanese nationals, for their involvement in illegal mining activities.
These arrests underscore the government’s commitment to tackling foreign-led violations and protecting the integrity of the country’s mineral resources.
