The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended mining activities for three months in parts of South Kivu province as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on illegal mineral extraction and fraud in the conflict-hit eastern region.
The suspension, announced through a directive signed by Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba on May 22, applies to the territories of Mwenga and Shabunda, according to government statements and media reports.
The Congolese government said the move was aimed at curbing illicit mining activities and restoring order in an area long plagued by smuggling, armed groups and unregulated artisanal mining operations. During the suspension period, a special inspection mission led by the General Inspectorate of Mines will assess the legality of mining activities in the two territories.
South Kivu is rich in gold, coltan, cassiterite and other strategic minerals that are critical to global electronics and electric vehicle supply chains. However, much of the mining in the region is carried out informally, with authorities struggling to control smuggling networks and ensure compliance with mining regulations.
Mwenga territory, which includes the historic mining hub of Kamituga, has long been associated with gold extraction and artisanal mining. The region’s mineral wealth has attracted both local miners and foreign operators, but insecurity and weak oversight have fueled illegal trade and revenue losses for the state.
The latest suspension comes amid broader concerns over governance in Congo’s mining sector, especially in eastern provinces affected by armed conflict. Authorities hope the inspections will help identify unauthorized operators and prevent minerals from being trafficked through illicit channels.
According to Reuters, the directive specifically targets “illicit mining activities” in the affected territories. The ministry also said the suspension is intended to fight mining fraud and the illegal exploitation of ores.
Eastern Congo has repeatedly faced challenges linked to unregulated mining, including environmental degradation, poor safety standards and deadly mine collapses. Earlier this year, landslides at the Rubaya mining site in North Kivu reportedly killed hundreds of artisanal miners and traders, highlighting the dangers associated with poorly regulated extraction.
The mining sector remains central to Congo’s economy, with the country holding some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, copper and lithium. These minerals are increasingly sought after for use in batteries and clean energy technologies, intensifying international interest in Congo’s resource-rich eastern provinces.
This is not the first time authorities have halted mining activities in South Kivu. In 2024, provincial authorities temporarily suspended mining operations across the province before later easing the restrictions.
Analysts say the latest shutdown reflects the government’s continuing struggle to formalize artisanal mining while balancing security concerns, local livelihoods and international pressure for cleaner mineral supply chains.
The suspension is expected to affect thousands of artisanal miners and traders who depend on mining for income in Mwenga and Shabunda, although authorities argue the measures are necessary to restore order and ensure that mineral wealth benefits the state and local communities.
