The governor of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province has suspended all mining activities in the region. This surprising announcement has shaken the local mining industry, which is vital to the area’s economy. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki issued a statement detailing this suspension, which he attributes to “disorder caused by the mining operators.” However, he did not provide specific examples of the alleged disorder.
The suspension order is immediate and strict. Governor Sadiki has mandated that all companies, businesses, and cooperatives involved in mining leave the sites and operating locations within 72 hours. This decree has significant implications for artisanal miners, who dominate the region by extracting metals like gold and tin. These miners rely heavily on their work for their livelihood.
The governor’s decision has not gone unchallenged. Jean Pierre Okenda, a governance analyst in Congo’s extractive sector, criticized the suspension. He called it illegal and an abuse of power. Okenda also urged Congo’s mines minister to intervene urgently and demand the lifting of the ban. His stance highlights the tension between local governance and the national regulatory framework overseeing the mining industry.
Further complicating the situation, Governor Sadiki has called for a meeting with mining operators on July 30. This meeting aims to assess the current situation and potentially find a resolution. The outcome of this meeting could determine the future of mining in South Kivu.
Local miners and operators have expressed their dismay at the sudden suspension. Innocent Watuta Ibungu, a mining operator, voiced his concerns. He warned that banning artisanal mining would have severe consequences for the province. According to Ibungu, mining is not just an industry but a lifeline for the local population. It sustains businesses and keeps people alive in a region with limited economic opportunities.
The governor’s sweeping order to halt mining operations immediately impacts both small-scale and large-scale miners. South Kivu’s mining sector is a significant part of the economy, providing jobs and supporting local businesses. The sudden suspension has left many in the community worried about their future.
