DRC's South Kivu Province Lifts Mining Ban, Except for Gold

South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to re-open mining operations, except for gold mining, following a recent suspension. This decision was announced by Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki through an official statement released on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

The mining suspension in South Kivu was initially implemented in July 2024, when the governor ordered all companies and their workers to leave the mining areas. At the time, the governor cited "the chaos caused by the miners" as the reason for the drastic move but provided few additional details.

South Kivu is a mineral-rich region, known not only for its gold deposits but also for other valuable resources such as gas and coltan, a crucial component in electronic devices. The suspension of mining activities had a significant impact on the local economy, which heavily relies on the mining sector for both revenue and employment.

After extensive consultations with mining authorities, the provincial government decided to review and modify its stance on mining. However, gold mining remains suspended while negotiations with stakeholders in the gold industry continue. The authorities aim to create a more regulated and sustainable mining environment that will benefit the province's development and improve the livelihoods of its residents.

In a statement from the governor's office, officials emphasized that their goal is to transform South Kivu's mining sector into one that contributes positively to the region’s growth, while addressing previous concerns about unregulated mining activities.

The province’s decision to resume mining, albeit selectively, marks a significant shift in policy as the DRC government seeks to balance economic development with better regulation and oversight of its vast mineral resources.