(Ecofin Agency) - This trial highlights the Congolese government's efforts to tackle illegal mining.

Found guilty of illegal mining, three Chinese nationals were recently sentenced to seven years in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The sentence was issued on January 14 by the Bukavu High Court.

The three men were arrested in South Kivu with ten gold bars and $400,000 in cash. The court upheld five of seven charges, including illegal residence, purchasing and possessing minerals unlawfully, and money laundering, according to court president Gale Mambuba.

"The three Chinese were jointly fined $600,000 and banned from entering the DRC after serving their sentence," the Congolese press agency reported. The local media added that the money seized would go to the Treasury, while the gold would be deposited at the Central Bank of Congo (BCC).

Illegal mining is a major issue in the DRC, a country rich in natural resources. In addition to harming the environment, illegal mining costs the Congolese State substantial revenues. 

Last year, in July, South Kivu's Governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi, suspended all mining activities to "re-establish order in mining [...] and preserve human lives and traceability." Three years before, six Chinese firms had been suspended.

Many Chinese firms invest heavily in the DRC's mining sector, raising hopes for economic growth. However, their presence also raises concerns about illegal practices and environmental damage.

Annually, the DRC loses around a billion dollars due to illegal mining. A 2022 Global Witness report indicates that 90% of coltan, tin, and tungsten exported by Rwanda had been smuggled from the DRC.

Last month, the DR Congo accused Apple of sourcing smuggled coltan. Apple denied but temporarily halted coltan supplies from the DRC and Rwanda.

This article was initially published in French by Charlène N'dimon

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho