The Governor of Haut-Uele province has ordered the suspension of mining activities by Chinese operators in the region following an official visit to Watsa.
This decision comes in response to illegal mining practices and environmental harm attributed to these operators.
Provincial authorities revealed that Chinese companies have been exploiting resources under the cover of Congolese mining cooperatives. Furthermore, they were found conducting semi-industrial mining operations using heavy machinery—actions that violate the country’s mining regulations.
Jean Bakomito, the provincial authority, raised concerns about the misuse of artisanal mining permits. He highlighted that while Congolese citizens obtain these permits, foreign operators often take control of the cooperatives, effectively bypassing regulations.
Bakomito stressed that the permits are strictly meant for artisanal mining activities. The misuse of these permits not only breaches the law but also deprives the state of significant revenue.
