(Ecofin Agency) - Every year, Africa loses billions of dollars due to illegal mining, which Chinese firms are heavily involved in. Many African governments have been intensifying their efforts to tackle the situation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently arrested 17 Chinese nationals for illegally mining gold in South Kivu. While 14 have been released, according to a press release on December 24, this incident highlights the growing crackdown on illegal mining by Chinese firms in Africa.

Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, the Governor of South Kivu, stated that the Chinese miners owe $10 million in taxes and fines. His Minister of Finance, Bernard Muhindo, noted that these miners operated in the village of Karhembo without any identification or permits.

This is not the first time Chinese miners have been accused of performing illegal activities in the DRC. In recent years, DRC authorities have suspended multiple Chinese mining companies, including six in August 2021, when former South Kivu governor Théo Kasi cited unauthorized operations and environmental destruction as reasons for the suspensions.

An analysis by IFRI published in February 2022 criticized Chinese companies for not following mining laws, failing to conduct necessary studies, and refusing to engage with local communities.

Similar issues are reported in Namibia, Ghana, and Nigeria. In Namibia, the Ministry of Mines announced an investigation into Xinfeng Investments for illegal mining. The company allegedly extracted lithium despite having only an exploration permit, damaging the environment and local ancestral sites.

Between 2020 and 2023, ENACT recorded numerous arrests of Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining in Nigeria's Kwara, Zamfara, and Akwa Ibom states. In Ghana, Aisha Huang was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for illegal mining activities known as "Galamsey." She has become a symbol of Ghana's fight against illegal Chinese miners.

Illegal mining affects both foreign nationals and locals from various African countries. Each year, governments lose billions through smuggling gold and other metals, making it difficult to eliminate this issue.

Emiliano Tossou