Congo suspends mining activities in South Kivu
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a suspension of all mining activities in South Kivu province.
Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki made the announcement and cited disorder caused by the mining operators” as the reason for this action. The suspension requires all companies, businesses, and cooperatives to vacate mining sites and operating locations within 72 hours.
This decision particularly impacts artisanal miners, who are the primary producers of metals such as gold and tin in the region. Jean Pierre Okenda, an analyst specializing in governance within Congo’s extractive sector, criticized the suspension as illegal and an abuse of power. He urged Congo’s mines minister to intervene and lift the ban.
In addition to the suspension, Governor Sadiki has called for a meeting with mining operators on July 30 to evaluate the situation. Innocent Watuta Ibungu, a local mining operator, expressed concern over the decision, highlighting the significant economic repercussions for the province, as artisanal mining is a crucial source of livelihood and economic activity.
Mining industry
The DRC has substantial untapped gold, cobalt, and high-grade copper reserves, but equally significant security risks accentuated by a lack of robust infrastructure. Cobalt, one of the key metals to produce electric vehicles, places the DRC in a strategic position for the energy transition.
The country boasts some of the highest quality copper reserves globally, with some of the mines estimated to contain grades above 3 percent, significantly higher than the global average of 0.6 – 0.8 percent.
