The governor of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has allowed the resumption of all mining activities while stating that investigations into the sector will continue.
Mining operations, which include the extraction of gold, copper, diamonds, tin, tantalum, and cobalt, were suspended in July when Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki ordered operators to leave mining sites to “restore order to mining operations”.
Authorities partially lifted the ban in August, allowing all mining activities to resume except for gold extraction. A government spokesperson indicated that consultations with mining operators would continue during this period.
After the initial investigation following the July suspension, over 550 out of nearly 650 operators were found to be operating without proper licenses, according to a provincial mines minister in early September.
More than 45 people, including two magistrates, were arrested for illegal mining activities.
“Today, we’re opening up mining activities throughout the region,” Sadiki told mining operators during a meeting on Monday.
He noted that a team would be sent to investigate each mining company to protect the local population from exploitation.
“If they violate any of our commitments, we’ll shut down that company or cooperative and hit them with exemplary fines,” the governor cautioned.
South Kivu province authorities have previously charged multiple firms with illegal practices, such as operating without permits, polluting water sources with chemicals, and underpaying employees.
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