Haut-Uele Governor Suspends Chinese Mining Activities Over Violations
The Governor of Haut-Uele province has ordered the suspension of mining activities by Chinese operators in the region following a mission to Watsa.
The suspension stems from several factors, including illegal exploitation and environmental damage caused by these foreign miners.
The provincial authorities noted that the Chinese operators were not only exploiting resources under the guise of Congolese mining cooperatives but also engaging in semi-industrial activities using heavy machinery, in violation of mining laws.
Jean Bakomito, the provincial authority, expressed concern that while the Congolese request permits for artisanal mining, it is foreign operators who ultimately manage these cooperatives.
He emphasized that the permits are intended for artisanal, not semi-industrial mining, causing the state to lose out on rightful revenue.
