THE Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered an investigation into suspected illegal mining after authorities seized thousands of tons of copper and cobalt, Bloomberg reported.
The justice ministry said a commission comprising police, military and mines ministry officials had carried out operations in the copper-rich Lualaba and Haut-Katanga provinces, confiscating more than 500 trucks and other vehicles and machinery.
Several thousand tons of copper and cobalt were also seized.
Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali ordered an investigation after the commission identified possible mining fraud, illegal exploitation of mineral resources and mineral smuggling.
Congo is the world’s largest cobalt producer and the second-biggest copper producer, but has struggled to curb illegal mining on concessions held by major international companies.
The seizures took place at several sites, including Menda in Lualaba, where Eurasian Resources Group holds licences. ERG has complained in recent months about illegal mining on its concessions, including its flagship Metalkol operation.
The crackdown follows reports last week that more than 60 foreign nationals were detained at Menda over alleged illegal mining and immigration offences. Congolese civilians and military personnel were also reportedly arrested.
Congo has intensified action against illegal mining in recent weeks, including suspending a key artisanal mining regulator and detaining hundreds of Chinese miners.
Chinese groups including CMOC and Zijin Mining account for much of Congo’s copper and cobalt production.