Foreign media: Driven by the global gold price breaking through $2,600 per ounce and geopolitical economic uncertainties, a large number of Chinese miners and companies have rushed to Africa for gold mining. However, they face serious security threats such as kidnappings and attacks in countries like Ghana, Central African Republic, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Especially in Mali, the situation has deteriorated since the coup in 2020. China has repeatedly warned about the risks and required a complete shutdown and evacuation by the end of July 2025.
Because Chinese miners often go deep into remote high-risk areas, carry cash, and do not outsource operations, they become main targets for armed groups. In March 2023, a mine in the Central African Republic resulted in the deaths of nine Chinese citizens, and similar incidents frequently occur in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Despite the high risks, Chinese mining companies continue to acquire gold mines in Africa. For example, Zijin Mining acquired the Akyem mine in Ghana for $1 billion, while Shandong Gold and Chifeng Jilong have also made transactions ranging from $400 million to $470 million. According to data from the World Gold Council, Chinese investors' gold holdings increased by 44% year-on-year to 115 tons in the second quarter of 2025, and central banks added 19 tons in the first half of the year, indicating strong demand for de-dollarization and risk aversion.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840152133811203/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.