The Minister of Mines for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Louis Watum Kabamba, has initiated a major compliance operation targeting non-compliant mining operators across South Kivu province. Enforcing a strict "zero tolerance" policy, the ministry has deployed a specialized control mission to audit active operations and eliminate illicit practices in the region.

The targeted verification drive spans key territories including Shabunda, Mwenga, Fizi, Baraka, and Uvira. Active mining operators in these zones are required to attend mandatory review sessions to evaluate their legal, fiscal, mining, environmental, and social standing. Dispatched directly by the Ministry of Mines, the delegation includes national deputies elected from the province. Operators must provide full documentation establishing legal compliance and proving the full traceability of their mineral supply chains and commercial routes.

A core objective of the initiative is identifying legitimate operators while dismantling shell entities—often referred to as "briefcase companies"—that lack the necessary credentials to legally operate. Following the inspections, a comprehensive report will details each operator's status, paving the way for targeted legal and administrative enforcement against violators.

According to Minister Kabamba, the mission extends beyond simple administrative oversight. Operating under the policy framework of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and the coordination of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the initiative aims to enhance sector governance, boost resource transparency, and secure state revenue to support national economic development.