Democratic Republic of Congo has lifted a suspension of mining activities in the South Kivu province, with the exception of gold extraction, the region’s governor said in a statement on Thursday.

Gold, tin ore cassiterite and hi-tech mineral coltan from the eastern province are mostly mined by so-called “artisanal” miners using rudimentary means.

Congo’s gold production is systematically underreported, and tons of the precious metal are smuggled into global supply chains through its eastern neighbours.

Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki in July suspended all mining activities in the restive region and ordered companies and operators to leave mining sites.

He said at the time the decision was taken due to “disorder caused by the mining operators”, without elaborating. After a meeting with mining operators it was decided to lift the suspension, a statement published by a government spokesperson said.