Seventeen Chinese nationals arrested in DRC for illegal gold mining amid crackdown on unlicensed mineral extraction.

Seventeen Chinese nationals have been detained in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on suspicion of operating an illegal gold mine, as part of the government's ongoing efforts to curb unlicensed mineral extraction, authorities announced on Friday.

The arrests took place in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, during a press conference where the suspects were presented. Sitting silently and unrestrained, the men did not address the gathered journalists.

According to Bernard Muhindo, the province's finance minister and acting mines minister, the arrests followed a surprise inspection on Thursday at the Karhembo village mining site.

“We asked them to present the company’s documents. There were no documents, zero. No certificate, no status, no national identification, nothing,” Muhindo stated.

Out of approximately 60 Chinese nationals at the site, authorities detained 17 individuals who appeared to be leading the operation, along with several Congolese and Burundian nationals, Muhindo added.

Neither the Chinese embassy in Kinshasa nor Burundi’s embassy responded immediately to requests for comment.

The DRC has faced ongoing challenges in regulating its abundant mineral resources, including cobalt, copper, and gold. Illegal mining operations, often involving armed groups, have exacerbated conflict in the mineral-rich region bordering Rwanda.

In July, South Kivu’s governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, suspended mining activities in the province, citing the need to restore order. Although operations have since resumed, authorities continue to investigate unlicensed activities.