Lualaba-Mines: Angry artisanal miners paralyze several neighborhoods in Kolwezi

On October 19, artisanal miners demonstrated in several neighborhoods of Kolwezi against checks at mineral-processing facilities and buying counters, as well as restrictions that have reduced their income. Vehicles were stoned, passengers injured and tires burned on National Road 39; police used tear gas in Kasulo and Kazembe. The demonstrators are demanding that buying counters reopen and that the promised artisanal mining zones be established. They also decry delays in preparing sites in Kasulo and worry about being forced to leave Kamilombe without a viable alternative, including over the ZEA No. 371 proposed by authorities.