DRC detains around 300 Chinese nationals in illegal mining crackdown
Authorities have intensified enforcement in the copper-rich Lualaba province, targeting suspected illegal mining and tightening controls on mineral transport and traceability
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have detained approximately 300 Chinese nationals as they tackle illegal mining in the country’s copper belt.
Bloomberg reports that most of the detentions took place in Kolwezi, the mining hub in Lualaba province. The individuals were allegedly involved in mining activities on concessions belonging to other companies.
The operation reportedly involved officials from the DRC’s National Security Council and immigration authorities. Following intervention by China’s embassy in Kinshasa, some of those detained were subsequently released.
Bloomberg says the Chinese embassy, the DRC’s Ministry of Mines, immigration authorities and the presidency did not respond to their requests for comment.
The crackddown comes as the country seeks to address suspected irregularities in mining and mineral trading.
Congolese news outlet Actualite.cd reports that security services had intercepted multiple trucks transporting copper and cobalt along several routes in the Lualaba province, including the Samukinda route. The vehicles were taken to the Musompo trading centre in Kolwezi while officials examined documentation relating to their owners and the legality and traceability of the mineral consignments.
