Lualaba: Governor Fifi Masuka says no mineral processing facility is closed

As tensions over mining inspections flared in Kolwezi, Lualaba Governor Fifi Masuka Saini said all mineral-processing facilities remain open. She urged artisanal miners to sell their production to companies through a duly registered cooperative. Chico Kebonte, a member of an interagency commission tasked with cleaning up the mining sector, said miners asked to leave the Kamilombe site can move to artisanal mining zone 371. Protesters are also demanding implementation of the 33 zones announced by the government; schools and businesses near mining areas closed, and traffic was disrupted.