M23 rebels are trying to restart gold mining operations at the Twangiza gold site, operated by China’s Twangiza Mining in South Kivu province. The move follows a series of airstrikes by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) targeting the mine’s power facilities to disrupt the rebels’ illegal gold operations.

According to local outlet Tazama RDC, the Rwanda-backed rebels have been working since last week to resume gold extraction at the site, which they have controlled since May 2025. Several local sources say a new fuel storage tank has been delivered to replace one destroyed in the FARDC strikes. A backup generator that survived the October bombings is also being reactivated to restore power and allow for a partial restart of production.

Internal sources at Twangiza Mining estimate total losses since the occupation at nearly $75 million, including more than 500 kilograms of looted gold and extensive damage to or theft of equipment. The site’s profitability makes Twangiza one of M23’s key revenue sources, underscoring the group’s push to resume mining despite repeated army attacks.

In October, Reuters reported that the rebels were receiving assistance from Rwandan technicians to operate the mine and expand the extraction zone. That expansion reportedly involved forcing residents from their homes and destroying several nearby churches. The situation reflects M23’s strategy to build an economic base in areas under its control, even as military and diplomatic efforts continue to end the conflict.

Timothée Manoke