[unofficial translation provided by BHRC]

"Chinese nationals arrested for mining! Seven compatriots detained in Mozambique for illegal gold mining; African mining emerges as high-risk occupation", Good Hope Observer (WeChat Official Account), 26 January 2026

According to Jornal Notícias, on 25 January 2026, law enforcement officers in [...] northern Mozambique apprehended seven Chinese nationals during a lightning raid [...]. Subsequent official communications indicate these individuals were found engaged in illegal gold mining operations without any lawful authorisation. Authorities are currently formulating the legal procedures for their repatriation.

[…] Ten days prior, on 15 January, the immigration authorities in the same province had detained another five Chinese nationals. That operation was conducted at the highest level, ordered personally by the Province Governor after receiving a tip-off. Investigations revealed that the group was not only engaged in illegal gold mining ..., but two members were even found in possession of forged Mozambican identity cards and residence permits.

Guinea […] On 21 January 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Guinea issued an unusual statement regarding the FADAKOLON incident. Four Chinese nationals were arrested [...] for illegal gold mining, with local police accusing them of using heavy machinery to severely pollute waterways and damage soil. [...]