DRC: When illegal gold mines threaten the Congo river and tropical biodiversity
A recently published report by the Dutch NGO PAX reveals the scale of destruction caused by illegal gold mining conducted by Chinese nationals in partnership with Congolese actors in the Haut-Uélé province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since 2020, over 250 kilometers of rivers have been severely damaged, causing major environmental and social upheaval.
Titled “DRC: Illegal Gold Rush in Haut-Uélé Province Devastated Rivers and Harmed Communities,” the report is based on satellite imagery, field investigations, and interviews with local stakeholders.
PAX describes semi-industrial operations running day and night using heavy machinery in areas 50 to 400 meters wide, often stretching along dozens of kilometers of rivers.
In some locations, riverbeds have been diverted, leaving behind dangerous flooded pits for nearby populations.
Beyond the physical damage, PAX warns of the health risks linked to the use of chemicals like mercury and cyanide, frequently employed in gold extraction.
These highly toxic substances contaminate waters that eventually flow into the Congo River, threatening the ecosystem of the world’s second-largest rainforest.
The report also denounces the opaque methods of the operators. They allegedly act under the cover of Congolese “artisanal mining cooperatives” established after 2020 but funded and managed by Chinese nationals.
These structures, often protected by members of the security forces, lack any legal authorization compliant with the Congolese Mining Code.
Some mining even occurs in areas covered by industrial permits, without official registration.
Despite repeated denunciations, no concrete measures have been implemented to stop these practices.
In August 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi described these activities as “illicit” and ordered an investigation. No follow-up has been reported, and the illegal mining continues.
Local communities, deprived of livelihoods and facing massive pollution, are demanding justice and reparations.
PAX calls on the Congolese authorities to halt these illegal operations, prosecute those responsible, and ensure that affected populations finally receive fair compensation.
Gilbert FOTSO
