Chinese mining company devastates endangered World Heritage Site in Congo

In Congo, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, designated a protected site in 1996 due to its rich biodiversity, has faced significant ecological threats over the past eight years from mining activities conducted by Kimia Mining Investment, a Chinese company. This reserve is home to the okapi, a rare forest giraffe and many other endangered species, and is part of the vital Congo Basin rainforest, which serves as a significant carbon sink in the fight against climate change. Despite mining being prohibited in protected areas as per Congo's mining code, Kimia Mining Investment claims to operate legally, having renewed its exploration permits until 2048. Government records indicate that the mining activities are based on maps provided by the ICCN, the authority in charge of managing the protected areas in Congo, which has led to disputes over the boundaries of the reserve. Geographer Joel Masselink has pointed out that the mining cadastral used a version of the reserve’s maps where the area had been reduced significantly, allowing the company to obtain licenses for exploration and extraction. Local communities have reported that mining has severely impacted the environment, with residents claiming the operations have decimated forests, contaminated land, and polluted water sources. Individuals who previously worked in the mines described dangerous conditions, including exposed toxic water and uncovered pits that pose significant risks to safety. Many residents have lost their livelihoods and are compelled to engage in illegal mining activities due to the lack of alternative job opportunities. The Wildlife Conservation Society noted that the legal status of the permits creates confusion and complicates the enforcement of land protection regulations. In response to the growing alarm, internal discussions among the ICCN and Congo's mining registry have begun to address the boundary issues related to the reserve and mining activities. A joint task force has been initiated to work on integrating an updated map into the mining registry, potentially leading to a halt in mining operations within the reserve. There remains a pressing need for vigilance and organization within civil society to counter the adverse effects caused by mining and ensure the protection of one of the world’s crucial ecological sites.