DRC cracks down on illegal mining near Maiko National Park, suspends operations
Authorities halt activities by two licensed companies accused of violating conservation and mining laws in protected areas
The Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country. Unlike South Africa, where unauthorised mining is often carried out by unlicensed individuals, in the DRC, some of the violations are reportedly being committed by licensed operators.
The Minister of Mines has issued a ruling following an April 2026 incident in which the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) alerted the Minister of Environment about two companies allegedly conducting illegal mining activities near Maiko National Park.
It is reported that Stone Mining SARLU and Xin Hong Kuan Ye SARL, holders of Exploration Permits No. 16591 and No. 16594, respectively, are engaged in unlawful activities. Their conduct is said to violate Article 25 of Law No. 14/003 of 11 February 2014 on nature conservation, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 24/020 of 30 December 2024, which prohibits activities incompatible with conservation within protected areas.
By operating in these zones, both companies are accused of misusing their exploration permits. Their actions also constitute a violation of Articles 50 bis and 203 of the Mining Code, as well as Article 110 of the Mining Regulation.
“To preserve our natural resources and protected areas, all mining activities in zones adjacent to Maiko National Park are hereby suspended as a precautionary measure, specifically those being conducted within the areas covered by the exploration permits mentioned above,” the Minister said in a statement.
The DRC has recently widened its enforcement actions, including the suspension of all mining operations in Mwenga and Shabunda in South Kivu Province.
