The Democratic Republic of Congo has released 14 of the 17 Chinese nationals detained on suspicion of operating an illegal gold mine, authorities said late Tuesday.
The arrests, part of a crackdown on unlicensed mineral extraction, occurred last week in South Kivu province. Those released are now traveling back to China. The detainees were taken into custody alongside Congolese and Burundian nationals after failing to present proper documentation.
Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, the governor of South Kivu, expressed shock at the news of the release, noting that the miners owed the government $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines.
According to officials, approximately 60 Chinese nationals were present at the mining site, and 17 were initially detained as they appeared to be in charge of operations.
The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has not commented on the developments, while Burundi’s embassy stated it was awaiting updates from its representative in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
South Kivu’s finance minister and acting mines minister, Bernard Muhindo, emphasized that the crackdown was part of broader efforts to reform the mining sector.
“The goal is not to conduct a manhunt but to clean up the mining industry so reliable partners can operate legally,” Muhindo said.
Congo, rich in minerals like cobalt, copper, and gold, has long struggled to curb unlicensed mining activities. These operations are often linked to armed groups and exacerbate regional conflicts, particularly in areas bordering Rwanda.
