The Democratic Republic of Congo has released 14 of the 17 Chinese nationals who were arrested last week on suspicion of operating an illegal gold mine in the country, authorities of that country announced late on Tuesday.
According to News central, the men, who are now on their way back to China, were detained alongside others from Congo and neighbouring Burundi during a crackdown on illegal mining activities. They were unable to provide the necessary documentation for their operations.
Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, the governor of South Kivu, where the arrests took place, expressed his surprise upon hearing of their release. He added that the Chinese miners owed the government $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines.
Around 60 Chinese nationals were present at the site, with the 17 detained individuals believed to be in charge. The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has yet to comment on the matter, while Burundi’s embassy is awaiting more information from its representative in Bukavu.
Bernard Muhindo, South Kivu’s finance minister and acting mines minister, explained that the goal was to reform the sector. “The idea is not to go on a manhunt, but rather to clean up the mining sector so that reliable partners can work properly and legally,” he stated.
The DRC has been struggling to curb the activities of unlicensed mining companies and, in some cases, armed groups who exploit its vast reserves of cobalt, copper, gold, and other valuable minerals. Competition for control over mining operations has also contributed to ongoing conflicts in the region, which borders Rwanda.
