The Democratic Republic of Congo has released 14 of the 17 Chinese nationals detained last week on allegations of operating an illegal gold mine, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The released individuals are reportedly en route to China. Their arrest occurred during a crackdown targeting unlicensed mining operations in South Kivu province, where they, along with Congolese and Burundian associates, were unable to produce proper documentation.
South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki expressed shock over the release, noting the miners owed $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines. Officials had initially detained 17 Chinese nationals identified as being in charge of operations at the site, where approximately 60 Chinese workers were present.
The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has not commented, while Burundi’s embassy stated it is awaiting updates from its representative in Bukavu.
South Kivu’s finance minister, Bernard Muhindo, who is also acting as mines minister, emphasized that the crackdown aims to reform the mining sector, ensuring compliance with legal standards rather than targeting individuals.
“The goal is to clean up the sector so reliable partners can operate legally,” he said.
The central African nation has long grappled with unregulated mining and, in some cases, exploitation by armed groups, as competition over its abundant mineral resources—including cobalt, copper, and gold—has contributed to regional instability.
