**Mineral Exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Towards a New Approach or Yet Another Breath?**
In a context where the mineral wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at the heart of international covetousness, Professor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, Governor of South Kivu, has recently intensified the fight against illegal mineral exploitation, particularly targeting Chinese-owned companies. This fight, which seems to respond to a need to regulate the underground practices of many companies, raises fundamental questions about the nature of resource exploitation and the future of a province historically marked by violence and the plundering of natural resources.
### A Socio-Economic Context in Turmoil
It is essential to understand that the DRC, and more specifically the province of South Kivu, is rich in essential minerals such as coltan, gold, and copper, which has caused a race to exploit them often to the detriment of human rights and the environment. In the space of three weeks, the arrest of twenty Chinese nationals paints an alarming picture of the mining situation in this corner of the world. The news relayed by our colleagues at Fatshimetrie shows us a governor determined to put an end to illegal exploitation which, according to him, has reached unbearable levels.
This hardening of the tone is part of a broader framework of demands for transparency and economic regularization. According to a report by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the DRC lost nearly $1.75 billion between 2014 and 2018 due to illegal mining. This shortfall could weigh down the natural assistance that these resources could provide to the socio-economic development of the country.
### Chinese Companies and the Challenge of Regularization
The governor’s response, which evokes a win-win partnership, draws attention to the way in which economic relations must evolve. It is not simply a question of chasing away Chinese investors under the pretext of their exploitation methods, but rather of educating them and encouraging them to comply with legalization standards. Indeed, the commitment to support infrastructure projects and to collaborate with local communities highlights a crucial issue: how to integrate foreign investors while taking into account the needs of local populations?
Previous attempts to regulate mining companies have often failed, caught in a vice of corrupt practices or collusion between the authorities and the companies. The governor’s call for additional resources to implement his policy also reveals a structural deficiency at the provincial level, where lack of funding is hampering government initiatives and exacerbating dependence on revenues generated by extractive activities.
### Civil Society Response: A Call for Vigilance
The support displayed by political figures, such as Feston Kabeza, President of the Provincial Assembly, must be received with caution, as it must not mask the real issues and protests emanating from civil society. In January, denunciations of complicity between members of the government and illegal operators caused a stir. This highlights a paradox: while some are calling for firm action against illegal exploitation, others, within the government itself, may seek to protect their personal interests.
### Towards a New Vision for Mining?
The challenge is colossal: will we turn our backs on the destructive spiral of illegal exploitation to embrace a new vision, offering real added value to local populations while respecting the fragile ecosystems of South Kivu? The need to create a clear legal framework to regulate mining activities is essential. This must include an incentive for self-organization of communities who, instead of having decisions imposed on them unilaterally, could have a say in the exploitation of their natural resources.
In conclusion, Governor Purusi’s determination to stem illegal exploitation and establish constructive relations with foreign investors represents a potential turning point for South Kivu. However, for real change to take place, it must imperatively be accompanied by the mobilization of all stakeholders: government, civil societies, investors, and especially local communities. It is only within this framework of collective commitment that the DRC can hope to transform its mineral wealth into an engine of sustainable and inclusive development.