Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa has ordered prosecutors to take legal action against those involved in illegal mining operations in Lualaba province.

Ngefa, a jurist and human rights advocate appointed during the August 2025 cabinet reshuffle, issued a directive on October 28 instructing the Auditor General of the Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation to initiate proceedings against all those implicated.

The move follows a report by the National Commission Against Mining Fraud (CNLFM), which uncovered serious irregularities in the local mining sector. The report cited illegal occupation of sites, large-scale fraud and smuggling networks, and the alleged involvement of soldiers, police officers, civilians, and foreign nationals. The Minister said prosecutions would target “all individuals and corporate entities responsible, regardless of rank, position, or nationality.”

Illegal Mining and Smuggling Widespread

Mining sites belonging to companies such as Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a subsidiary of Switzerland’s Glencore, and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) are frequently occupied by unauthorized miners. In July, several Chinese nationals were arrested at the Metalkol site in Musonoï (Kolwezi) for illegal mining, allegedly with support from local officials.

The issue goes beyond Lualaba. In October 2025, Chinese nationals were detained in Haut-Uele for unauthorized semi-industrial mining on concessions owned by Kibali Gold. In Ituri, the company Comoi-Sarl is seeking $10 million in damages from another Chinese firm over losses suffered on its sites.

According to the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC), one mining company has already lost nearly $3 billion due to illegal encroachments and site seizures. During a September 18 meeting with the Mines Minister, operators described the illegal occupation of concessions as the “most critical challenge” facing the Congolese mining industry.

The Justice Minister’s measures also aim to curb mineral smuggling. A CNLFM report seen by AFP described a sophisticated trafficking network involving collusion within public offices and security forces. It said falsified traceability documents and export permits issued outside legal channels allowed cobalt and copper to be smuggled through Kolwezi and Likasi, causing major tax losses for the state.

Ronsard Luabeya