The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced plans to revive Anhui Congo Investissement (Sacim), a diamond mining company located in Miabi, Kasaï Oriental.
Sacim is a joint venture between the Congolese state and China’s Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Corporation.
Despite producing approximately 250,000 carats of diamonds each month, the company has recently struggled with operational, managerial, and social challenges.
According to DRC’s Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba Kapinga Mulume, the crisis was triggered by a ministerial order that restricted Sacim to selling its diamonds exclusively to a limited group of Congolese buyers approved by the state.
This restriction led to a significant drop in revenue, causing up to 13 months of unpaid salaries and sparking protests from workers.
In response, Minister Mulume has proposed restoring the company’s right to freely market its production.
A new ministerial order, issued on June 2, 2025, repeals the previous restriction and reinstates Sacim’s commercial freedom in accordance with the national Mining Code.
The Council of Ministers has acknowledged the updated directive, which is expected to ease tensions among Sacim employees and improve relations with local stakeholders.
