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Authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have arrested three Chinese nationals found with 12 gold bars and $800,000 (£650,000) in cash. The contraband was hidden under the seats of their vehicle, according to South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi.
The arrests followed a covert operation prompted by a tip-off, Purusi said, and were conducted in the Walungu area, near the Rwandan border. The secrecy was necessary due to the recent release of 17 other Chinese nationals accused of running an illegal gold mine in the same region.
Eastern DR Congo is rich in gold, diamonds, and critical minerals used in batteries for mobile phones and electric vehicles. However, the region’s vast mineral wealth has been exploited by foreign groups since colonial times, contributing to decades of instability.
Murky Mineral Trade
Many mines in eastern DR Congo are controlled by militia groups, whose leaders profit by selling minerals to middlemen. Governor Purusi noted that some dealers have influential connections in the capital, Kinshasa, making enforcement efforts challenging.
Last month, Purusi expressed frustration after the release of the 17 Chinese nationals. He alleged they owed $10 million in taxes and fines to the government, calling their release a setback in efforts to reform the notoriously opaque mining sector.
The Chinese embassy has not commented on the recent arrests or previous allegations.
Wider Context of Mineral Exploitation
The arrests come amid ongoing conflict in neighbouring North Kivu province, where Rwanda-backed rebels have seized significant territory. Rwanda has denied accusations of facilitating the export of illegal minerals from DR Congo.
The Congolese government recently filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of using “blood minerals” sourced from conflict zones. The lawsuit alleges these minerals are “laundered through international supply chains,” financing militias, enabling forced child labour, and causing environmental destruction.
Apple has since announced it stopped sourcing minerals from DR Congo and Rwanda, though Rwanda denies any involvement in illegal mineral trade.
A Cycle of Conflict and Exploitation
Governor Purusi said the arrests of the three Chinese nationals represent a critical step in combating illegal mineral trade in DR Congo. However, the region’s mineral wealth remains at the heart of a cycle of violence, exploitation, and environmental degradation, perpetuated by local militias and foreign actors alike.
Efforts to clean up the sector face significant obstacles, but authorities say they remain committed to ensuring DR Congo’s resources benefit its people rather than fueling conflict and corruption.
