Territorial authorities in Malemba Nkulu, in the province of Haut-Lomami in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently led an operation aimed at putting an end to the illicit exploitation of lithium by a group of Chinese nationals. On Sunday August 27, thirteen Chinese individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in this illegal activity.
According to information provided by the local territorial authority, Joel Kayemba, these individuals resided in a large enclosure containing three deposits filled with minerals. Moreover, it was discovered that they had even set up an airfield near their place of residence, which raises questions as to their true intentions and activities in the region.
Faced with this situation, the governor of Haut-Lomami dispatched a commission to the site in order to better understand the situation and initiate possible action. This commission is made up in particular of the provincial ministers of Mines and Finance, accompanied by their collaborators.
Local civil society has hailed the arrests and urged the government to take strong action to end what it calls the plunder of the province’s mineral resources. Claude Kyasangolo, spokesperson for the Malemba Nkulu company, said that this arrest is an encouraging act and called on the government to become actively involved in the mining situation in the region, where illegal exploitation, non-respect of specifications and other irregularities have reached alarming proportions.
This case highlights a recurring problem in many countries rich in natural resources, where the illegal exploitation and looting of resources pose a real threat to the economy and sustainable development. It is essential that the competent authorities take adequate measures to put an end to these practices and guarantee the responsible and legal exploitation of natural resources