Following a two-month suspension, all mining activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) restive South Kivu province have been allowed to resume, announced Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, who had ordered the initial suspension in July to "restore order."
"Today, we're opening up mining activities throughout the region," the governor told mining operators, adding that investigations into the mining sector would continue.
The suspension was initially imposed after a preliminary investigation revealed that over 550 out of nearly 650 mining operators were operating without proper authorization. Over 45 individuals, including two magistrates, were arrested for alleged fraud and illegal mineral exploitation.
Governor Sadiki emphasized that a team would be deployed to investigate each mining company to prevent the exploitation of local populations. He issued a stern warning, stating that any company or cooperative found violating regulations would face closure and hefty fines.
DRC authorities had previously accused several companies of illegal activities, including operating without permits, polluting water sources, and underpaying workers.