China’s Exploitive Mining in Africa Sparks Outrage

China’s involvement in illegal and exploitive mining practices across Africa has triggered growing concerns among African nations, with leaders decrying the plundering of their natural resources under the guise of development partnerships. From the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Nigeria and Ghana, Chinese mining firms have been accused of engaging in illegal extraction, failing to meet their infrastructure commitments, and exacerbating socio-economic instability.

Illegal Mining and Arrests in the DRC

In early 2025, three Chinese nationals were arrested in the DRC for illegal mining, possession of gold bars, and money laundering. The arrests were part of a wider crackdown on illegal mining networks that have flourished in the region. Just last year, 17 Chinese individuals were detained for running an unauthorized gold mine, a small fraction of the over 450 illegal mines in the DRC, the majority of which are reportedly controlled by Chinese operators.

Jacque Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, has been vocal about the illegal activities, calling them a blatant act of resource theft. “This is only one-tenth of what they have already taken from us. We will not let it go. This is the wealth of the people of South Kivu. We are determined to go all the way because enough is enough,” he stated. In July 2024, Purusi suspended all mining activities in response to reports of illegal extraction and exploitation.

The DRC has since forced six Chinese firms to halt operations. Similarly, Nigeria terminated contracts awarded to Chinese companies due to their exploitive practices, while several Chinese nationals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Gateway to Exploitation?

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), originally pitched as a project to improve infrastructure and economic ties, has increasingly been viewed as a tool for resource exploitation in Africa. The continent holds vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, copper, and other critical minerals necessary for advanced technology, making it a prime target for Chinese investments.

Experts argue that Beijing has poured billions into countries such as Nigeria, Namibia, and Ghana under the guise of economic partnerships, while primarily focusing on extracting Africa’s rare and precious minerals. Leonard Otuonye Ugbajah, executive director at Nigeria-based Centre for Trade and Business Environment Advocacy, described China as the latest in a long line of exploiters that have historically taken advantage of Africa’s resources.

Despite China’s consistent denial of wrongdoing, growing tensions between African governments and Chinese mining firms suggest otherwise.

Unfulfilled Promises and Growing Distrust

One of the major grievances against Chinese mining firms is their failure to fulfill promises of infrastructure development in exchange for access to minerals. In the DRC, Chinese companies pledged to build roads, schools, bridges, hospitals, and even a stadium while providing scholarships for local students. However, these commitments remain largely unfulfilled.

“They promised to build schools, bridges, roads, hospitals, and a stadium, and to provide scholarships for our students. But they have done nothing,” lamented a protestor during a rally in Mwenga territory.

Notably, Chinese mining companies operating in the DRC have also failed to pay over $10 million in taxes and fines owed to the government, further fueling local outrage.

China’s ‘New Imperialism’ in Africa

Scholars and human rights advocates warn that China’s approach to Africa mirrors historical patterns of imperialism. Amani Matabaro Tom, a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, described China’s influence as a form of modern colonization.

“Looking at what is happening on the ground in Africa right now, we see China’s imperialism, we see human rights and the environment both at high risk, and we see rampant corruption and a lack of good governance,” Tom said.

China’s mining activities have also contributed to environmental degradation and an increase in violence. Illegal mining operations often operate outside regulatory frameworks, causing deforestation, water pollution, and land disputes. In some regions, the influx of unregulated foreign mining firms has led to increased local militancy and tensions between indigenous communities and miners.

Ghana’s Struggle Against Illegal Chinese Mining

In Ghana, illegal Chinese miners have been accused of disregarding national laws governing small-scale mining. Research from the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) found that Chinese miners have been extracting gold without proper licenses or adherence to Ghanaian regulations.

Under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act 2006, small-scale mining is strictly reserved for Ghanaians. However, over 85% of small-scale mining activities in Ghana are reportedly being conducted by Chinese nationals. Nathaniel Ocquaye of the London School of Economics (LSE) noted that this widespread violation of local laws has strained diplomatic ties between Ghana and China.

Calls for Stronger Action

As dissatisfaction with China’s exploitative mining practices grows, African nations are taking steps to reclaim control over their resources. Lecturers, policymakers, and activists are calling for stricter enforcement of mining laws, increased oversight of foreign investments, and greater accountability from Chinese firms operating in Africa.

Etienne Mutware, a lecturer at the Evangelical University in Bukavu, DRC, stressed the need for mutually beneficial partnerships. “Partnerships are meant to bring mutual benefits like infrastructure, schools, and development. However, fraud, corruption, and illegal mining in the Congo have thwarted these expectations, resulting in a significant loss for both the population and the nation,” he said.

The pressure is mounting on African governments to take a firm stance against exploitative foreign investments, ensuring that resource extraction benefits local populations rather than external entities. Whether China will change its approach in response to this growing backlash remains to be seen.