# Mining unrest and legal disputes in Lualaba province

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mining-unrest-and-legal-disputes-in-lualaba-province
> Updated: 2026-10-23T18:13:35.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In October 2026, the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced significant instability involving both civil unrest and corporate legal disputes.

Violent protests erupted in Kolwezi on October 19 and 20 following a government crackdown on illegal mining. An interservices task force from Kinshasa attempted to inspect mineral processing and trading circuits to enforce compliance and remove unauthorized personnel from industrial concessions. Artisanal miners, fearing the loss of livelihoods due to sales restrictions and relocation efforts, engaged in demonstrations that resulted in traffic disruptions, the burning of vehicles, and the vandalism of a police station. While local reports indicated injuries and deaths, official casualty figures remained unconfirmed. The unrest led to the suspension of two officials from the Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement des Mines Artisanales et de Petite Échelle (SAEMAPE).

Concurrently, Chengtun Congo Resources (CCR), a subsidiary of the Chinese Chengtun Mining Group, announced intentions to pursue legal action against Africa Intelligence. The company rejected allegations regarding illegal mineral trading, unauthorized security practices, and the alleged financing of the Kabila clan at its Metalkol site. CCR denied that its Africa CEO was present in the DRC during a recent National Security Council mission and clarified that its security personnel are unarmed. The company also disputed claims regarding financial ties to various cooperatives and local officials, demanding a public apology.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Kolwezi mining crackdown sparks violent protests in DRC

Violent protests in Kolwezi, DRC, erupted after a government crackdown on illegal mining and mineral trading, causing property damage and disrupting local livelihoods and commerce.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kolwezi-mining-crackdown-sparks-violent-protests-in-drc

### 2026-10-22: Chengtun Congo Resources threatens legal action over Metalkol allegations

Chengtun Congo Resources has rejected allegations of illegal mineral trading and political financing in the DRC, threatening legal action against Africa Intelligence for its reporting on the Metalkol site.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chengtun-congo-resources-threatens-legal-action-over-metalkol-allegations

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Cite as: Mining unrest and legal disputes in Lualaba province. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mining-unrest-and-legal-disputes-in-lualaba-province