DRC Minister Receives Report Exposing South Kivu Mining Violations
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, received a detailed report on January 8, 2025, from the Special Commission tasked with assessing the compliance of mining activities in South Kivu.
After 15 days of rigorous investigations, the Commission reviewed operations of 18 out of 30 mining companies summoned by the Ministry of Mines. The report uncovered significant violations of the Mining Code and regulations, including:
- Unqualified operators managing mining activities.
- Illegal semi-industrial operations concealed under the guise of non-compliant mining cooperatives.
- Alarming environmental damage caused by these activities.
Minister Pakabomba commended the Commission for its thorough work and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to fostering sustainable and lawful mining practices.
Minister Pakabomba emphasized the ministry’s dedication to combating illegal mining and mineral smuggling. “Severe and exemplary sanctions will be imposed on offenders in alignment with the Head of State’s vision for transparent and equitable resource governance,” he stated.
The Minister also highlighted the need to extend similar assessments to other provinces to promote better governance and enforce compliance across the mining sector.
In a related incident, authorities recently apprehended a group of Chinese nationals involved in illegal gold mining in South Kivu. The individuals were found in possession of gold bars and $800,000 in cash. They have been detained and will face prosecution under Congolese law.
This report and the government’s ongoing efforts underscore a broader push to address illegal mining, strengthen regulatory oversight, and protect the DRC’s rich natural resources.
