In eastern DR Congo, Italian priest Davide Marcheselli has been opposing illegal gold mining by Chinese firms, highlighting significant environmental impacts and local corruption. South Kivu governor Jean-Jacques Purusi has attempted to regulate the industry by suspending illegal mining until permits are renewed, leading to an influx of companies seeking compliance. Artisanal miners face challenges against well-resourced foreign firms, with much gold being smuggled out of the region. The creation of a state-owned monopoly aims to curtail illegal exports but struggles financially, reflecting a complex interplay of local governance, foreign exploitation, and environmental justice.
The struggle against illegal gold mining in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is epitomized by the efforts of Italian priest Davide Marcheselli, who has been campaigning against Chinese companies operating without permits in Kitutu. He asserts that these mining activities have led to significant environmental degradation, including pollution of local rivers and destruction of agricultural land. Local authorities have reported a proliferation of foreign mining companies, predominantly Chinese-owned, that exploit the region’s rich mineral resources without adhering to legal requirements or revealing their profits. Many members of civil society, along with the church, have been the sole opposition to these powerful enterprises, which are thought to have connections with influential political figures. Marcheselli highlighted this corruption, stating, “From the deputies, to the village chief, everyone receives something (from the companies), money or shares (in businesses).” In an attempt to regulate the mining sector, South Kivu governor Jean-Jacques Purusi recently suspended illegal mining activities pending the renewal of expired permits. The response from these companies has been overwhelming; Purusi reported, “In place of the 117 illegal companies we invited, 540 showed up here overnight.” Meanwhile, artisanal miners, such as those working with Congolese cooperative Mwenga Force near Kamituga, struggle to compete with larger Chinese firms due to a lack of resources. While foreign entities are prohibited from artisanal mining, many Chinese companies circumvent this by allying with local cooperatives. Approximately 50% of the cooperatives in South Kivu are reportedly partnered with these foreign firms, severely challenging local oversight. Entry to certain mining operations remains restricted, complicating the ability of officials to monitor these activities. Ghislain Chivundu Mutalemba, an inspector, stated, “It is difficult to monitor these companies… We don’t know what percentage the Chinese take, or how much they produce.” According to reports, gold extracted in Kamituga often finds its way to Bukavu and then to Rwanda, with traders declaring only a small fraction of their wares. The Congolese government granted a monopoly over gold exports to the state-owned Primera Gold in December 2022, aiming to disrupt illegal export channels. However, Primera Gold has struggled financially and has not succeeded in eliminating black market activities. Despite the surge in gold exports from South Kivu, there remains significant opacity surrounding the operations of Chinese mining firms, as summarized by Governor Purusi’s frustrations with their unresponsiveness. The situation in eastern DR Congo epitomizes the complex interplay between local governance, foreign exploitation, and the fight for environmental justice, raising critical questions about the sustainability of such mining practices and their repercussions for local communities.
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources, particularly gold, attracting a multitude of foreign mining companies, primarily Chinese, many of which operate without the necessary legal permits and often engage in corrupt practices. This situation has prompted local communities, civil society, and religious leaders to advocate for environmental protection and legal compliance in mining activities. The authorities are attempting to regulate this sector more effectively, but face challenges due to the entrenched interests of powerful foreign entities and local political corruption. Additionally, the artisanal mining sector is affected, as local miners struggle to compete against better-funded foreign companies, often leading to exploitation and further environmental degradation.
The ongoing conflict surrounding gold mining in eastern DR Congo highlights a significant struggle against illegal practices that threaten both the environment and local communities. Despite efforts from local leaders and civil societies to combat these issues, foreign entities, particularly Chinese companies, continue to operate largely unchecked. The government’s attempts to impose regulation face resistance, illustrating the complexities of managing natural resources in a context marked by corruption and economic disparity. Thus, addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to enhance transparency, enforce legal compliance, and protect local livelihoods.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
