Crackdown on Illicit Mining: Arrest of Chinese Nationals with Gold and Cash Highlights DR Congo’s Battle Against Corruption, Resource Exploitation, and International Complicity
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrested three Chinese nationals in South Kivu province after discovering 12 gold bars and $800,000 (£650,000) in cash hidden under the seats of their vehicle.
The arrest operation, carried out in the Walungu area near the Rwandan border, was kept secret due to fears of interference from influential figures in the capital, Kinshasa. According to South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi, the men were caught following a tip-off and a meticulous vehicle search.
A History of Exploitation and Instability
Eastern DRC is rich in valuable minerals like gold, diamonds, and materials essential for mobile phones and electric vehicles. However, the region has long been plagued by instability, fueled by the exploitation of these resources by foreign groups and local militias.
Militias control many mines in the region, selling minerals to middlemen who often have connections with powerful individuals in Kinshasa. This network of influence has made cleaning up the country’s mining sector a challenging task.
Governor Purusi expressed frustration, citing the recent release of 17 Chinese nationals accused of operating an illegal gold mine. They were freed and allowed to return to China despite allegedly owing $10 million in taxes and fines.
“This undermines our efforts to bring transparency to the sector,” Purusi said.
Global Tensions and Legal Battles
The arrests come amid ongoing conflict in neighbouring North Kivu province, where a Rwanda-backed rebel group has seized significant territory. The DRC has also filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple, accusing it of sourcing “blood minerals” from conflict zones.
The Congolese government claims these minerals are laundered through international supply chains, financing militias, fueling violence, and contributing to forced child labour and environmental destruction. Apple, in response, stated it had ceased sourcing minerals from both the DRC and Rwanda.
Rwanda, which denies being a conduit for illegal mineral exports, continues to face allegations of involvement in the region’s illicit mining trade.
What’s Next?
As investigations into the arrests continue, Governor Purusi has vowed to intensify efforts to clean up DRC’s murky mining sector. However, the release of previous suspects highlights the challenges of combating entrenched corruption and international complicity in the country’s mineral trade.
Join our Channel...