Indonesia has strengthened its crackdown on illegal mining as part of efforts to protect the environment, enforce immigration laws and curb criminal activity. Under Indonesian law, foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in gold exploration, mining, processing or trading in any individual capacity. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to 100 billion rupiah (approximately US$6.4 million).

The Chinese Embassy warned its citizens not to be misled by claims that mining operations have “powerful backers” or that local disputes have been “settled.” It described the gold mining sector as highly risky, with complex power dynamics and serious security threats.

“Any foreign citizen involved in these activities is considered to be engaging in illegal gold mining ,” the embassy said, adding that such actions can breach mining, immigration, forestry and environmental laws at the same time.

The advisory urged Chinese nationals to strictly comply with Indonesian regulations and avoid all forms of illegal mining, including so-called “private gold mines” or informal cooperative sites. It also warned against involvement in related activities such as transporting or selling illegally mined gold.

Indonesian authorities have stated that the crackdown is necessary to protect local communities and ecosystems, particularly in resource-rich yet fragile regions.

“We have no other occupations apart from the mining site,” she explains. “Going to the fields currently puts our lives at risk because of the ADF rebels,” she told Viory.

Armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have intensified attacks across eastern DRC, driving thousands from their homes. Local officials warn of daily displacement due to the worsening security crisis. “Mining is what keeps this population alive,” said Monga Mabanga Julio, the governor’s delegate in Njiapanda-Manguredjipa.

According to Oxfam , for every 3kg of Congolese cobalt, Tesla may generate over $3,000 in profit, while the Congolese government earns under $10 in royalties, and miners like Josephine receive barely $7.

Local leaders argue the mineral wealth could still rebuild the nation if managed properly.

“These reserves will allow the Congolese state to finance roads, hospitals, and schools ,” said Katembo Lughala Josue, a mining official.

Despite holding over 70% of the world ’s cobalt supply, the DRC’s mining industry remains plagued by insecurity, poverty, and exploitation.

Over three days, from September 28 to 30, authorities seized or destroyed 42 stationary engines, three hydraulic excavators, 13 motor pumps, and 14 hidden bunkers. A specialist Federal Police explosives unit also demolished four underground gold mines built to tap deep mineral veins.

The operation turned tense on its first day when armed miners opened fire on security forces. Officers responded with what the Ministry of Environment called “proportionate and technical” force, injuring two suspects who were later taken to the hospital. No security personnel were hurt. Viory reports that reinforcements are staying in the region to hunt down remaining armed groups, locate hidden machinery, and restore security.

Despite these strides, the campaign seems to have yielded little as environmental destruction worsens. Illegal miners now dig in the open with no fear of authority.

To counter this menace, President John Dramani Mahama's government has also put in motion an intense war by instituting the Goldbod, a body which is now in charge of everything gold and other precious minerals.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is also not sitting back and has equally rolled out a mining skills programme dubbed the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), to promote ethical mining.

On the journey to the outdooring of this initiative in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, eight precious souls lost their lives.

These eight, including the Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah and the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, were killed in a military helicopter crash on August 6.

Major destruction from galamsey so far

Although illegal mining contributes over one-third of Ghana’s gold production, it costs the state approximately $2 billion annually in lost tax revenue.

Up to 60% of Ghana’s surface water sources, including key rivers like the Ankobra and Pra, are contaminated with hazardous levels of mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

Additionally, polluted water has impaired the Ghana Water Company’s capacity by up to 75%, leading to possible reliance on expensive water imports by 2030.

More than 4,726 hectares of forest and riverine areas have been destroyed, affecting 34 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves. Over 190,000 acres of cocoa farmland have been lost, either seized by miners or degraded through encroachment.

Current reforms

President John Dramani Mahama, in April 2025, established the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) to regulate and check mining in the country.

Under the Goldbod Act, the body is the only powerful, centralised body mandated to oversee the entire gold value chain from licensing and assaying to buying, refining, and exporting gold. GoldBod replaces prior fragmentation to bring structure and control to the sector.

Under the reform, foreigners are barred from directly trading or purchasing gold domestically, and all gold trade must be conducted through GoldBod, in the Ghanaian cedi. This move aims to retain value within national channels and strengthen oversight

Additionally, the Act empowers GoldBod with enhanced monitoring, surveillance, increased penalties, and the establishment of specialised task forces to clamp down on illegal mining and gold smuggling. It also enforces stricter border controls and customs procedures.