The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended mining activities in parts of the conflict-hit South Kivu province for three months, escalating efforts to curb illegal mineral exploitation and cut off suspected funding channels for armed groups operating in the east.

A directive issued by the country’s mines ministry and signed by Mines Minister, Louis Watum Kabamba said the suspension would affect the territories of Mwenga and Shabunda, two areas known for significant artisanal mining activity.

The move comes amid growing concern over illicit mining networks in eastern Congo, where valuable minerals such as gold, cassiterite and coltan are frequently extracted outside formal regulatory systems.

According to the May 22 directive, authorities will use the suspension period to conduct a special inspection mission led by the General Inspectorate of Mines. The operation is expected to verify the legality of mining activities and identify operators accused of bypassing state regulations.

The Congolese government says the measure is aimed at reducing mining fraud and the illegal exploitation of ores, which officials believe continue to undermine state revenues and fuel insecurity in the region.

Eastern Congo has long struggled with violence linked to armed groups competing for control of mineral-rich territories. Last year, Kinshasa banned the trade in minerals from dozens of artisanal mining sites across North and South Kivu after authorities said evidence showed that illegal supply chains were financing armed factions.

The latest crackdown highlights the growing pressure on Congo to tighten oversight of its mining sector as global demand for critical minerals used in electronics and clean energy technologies rises. Congo holds some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, copper and lithium, making it a strategically important supplier in the global energy transition.