The Chinese Embassy in Bangui has warned its nationals working in the artisanal mining sector in the Central African Republic of the risk of turning into what it described as “mine slaves,” due to harsh living and working conditions.
The warning comes amid a growing trend of Chinese workers travelling to African countries such as CAR, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Mali in search of new opportunities driven by soaring gold prices.
The embassy revealed that it has been receiving frequent distress calls from citizens involved in illegal mining activities, who have faced heavy fines, equipment confiscation, or fallen victim to fraud networks.
It urged Chinese nationals to avoid entering illegal mining zones and instructed those already there to leave immediately, warning of serious security and health risks in these areas classified as “red zones.”
