Latest news with #TwangizaMining
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Congo gold miner says M23 rebels force staff to work without pay
(Reuters) -Gold miner Twangiza Mining SA has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of forcing its employees to work against their will and without pay after seizing its mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. M23 staged a lightning advance earlier this year in eastern Congo, taking control of more land than ever before in North and South Kivu provinces. The Twangiza Mining site is located in South Kivu province. In May, the company said it had been ordered to suspend operations at the mine after M23 accused it of not paying taxes. In a new statement dated Friday, Twangiza Mining, which is headquartered in Congo and describes itself as a Chinese firm, said its workers were being "held in captivity, forced to work in inhuman conditions, without any security measure, remuneration or medical coverage." Reuters could not independently verify the company's assertions. M23 and Congo's government did not respond to requests for comment. The statement from Twangiza Mining also said production had been "paralyzed" and that the site was "entirely controlled" by a group of Rwandan nationals who, working with M23 and claiming to be new investors, have been exploiting the mine "for their own profit by treating our employees like slaves deprived of all protection". Congo, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. Rwanda has long denied helping M23, saying its forces were acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Yolande Makolo, Rwanda government spokesperson, said on Monday that Rwanda had nothing to do with the dispute with Twangiza Mining. "Rwanda is not involved in this situation, and the accusations against Rwandan citizens are without basis - there is no record or information of any Rwanda citizens involved in such activities," Makolo said. "This is a local issue that should be taken up with the authorities in the area." On Friday, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Congo signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal, raising hopes for an end to fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more so far this year. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration aims to attract billions of dollars in Western investment to Congo, which is rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. Qatar has been hosting talks between Congo and M23.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Congo gold miner says M23 rebels force staff to work without pay
A Congolese boy plays with a handmade ball near a temporary shelter at Rugombo Stadium, after fleeing from renewed clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Rugombo commune of Cibitoke Province, Burundi February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Evrard Ngendakumana/File Photo Burundian volunteers prepare food for Congolese families at Rugombo Stadium, after Congolese fled from renewed clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Rugombo commune of Cibitoke Province, Burundi February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Evrard Ngendakumana/File Photo Gold miner Twangiza Mining SA has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of forcing its employees to work against their will and without pay after seizing its mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. M23 staged a lightning advance earlier this year in eastern Congo, taking control of more land than ever before in North and South Kivu provinces. The Twangiza Mining site is located in South Kivu province. In May, the company said it had been ordered to suspend operations at the mine after M23 accused it of not paying taxes. In a new statement dated Friday, Twangiza Mining, which is headquartered in Congo and describes itself as a Chinese firm, said its workers were being "held in captivity, forced to work in inhuman conditions, without any security measure, remuneration or medical coverage." Reuters could not independently verify the company's assertions. M23 and Congo's government did not respond to requests for comment. The statement from Twangiza Mining also said production had been "paralyzed" and that the site was "entirely controlled" by a group of Rwandan nationals who, working with M23 and claiming to be new investors, have been exploiting the mine "for their own profit by treating our employees like slaves deprived of all protection". Congo, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. Rwanda has long denied helping M23, saying its forces were acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Yolande Makolo, Rwanda government spokesperson, said on Monday that Rwanda had nothing to do with the dispute with Twangiza Mining. "Rwanda is not involved in this situation, and the accusations against Rwandan citizens are without basis - there is no record or information of any Rwanda citizens involved in such activities," Makolo said. "This is a local issue that should be taken up with the authorities in the area." On Friday, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Congo signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal, raising hopes for an end to fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more so far this year. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration aims to attract billions of dollars in Western investment to Congo, which is rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. Qatar has been hosting talks between Congo and M23. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Congo gold miner says M23 rebels force staff to work without pay
June 30 (Reuters) - Gold miner Twangiza Mining SA has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of forcing its employees to work against their will and without pay after seizing its mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. M23 staged a lightning advance earlier this year in eastern Congo, taking control of more land than ever before in North and South Kivu provinces. The Twangiza Mining site is located in South Kivu province. In May, the company said it had been ordered to suspend operations at the mine after M23 accused it of not paying taxes. In a new statement dated Friday, Twangiza Mining, which is headquartered in Congo and describes itself as a Chinese firm, said its workers were being "held in captivity, forced to work in inhuman conditions, without any security measure, remuneration or medical coverage." Reuters could not independently verify the company's assertions. M23 and Congo's government did not respond to requests for comment. The statement from Twangiza Mining also said production had been "paralyzed" and that the site was "entirely controlled" by a group of Rwandan nationals who, working with M23 and claiming to be new investors, have been exploiting the mine "for their own profit by treating our employees like slaves deprived of all protection". Congo, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. Rwanda has long denied helping M23, saying its forces were acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Yolande Makolo, Rwanda government spokesperson, said on Monday that Rwanda had nothing to do with the dispute with Twangiza Mining. "Rwanda is not involved in this situation, and the accusations against Rwandan citizens are without basis - there is no record or information of any Rwanda citizens involved in such activities," Makolo said. "This is a local issue that should be taken up with the authorities in the area." On Friday, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Congo signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal, raising hopes for an end to fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more so far this year. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration aims to attract billions of dollars in Western investment to Congo, which is rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. Qatar has been hosting talks between Congo and M23.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Twangiza Mining halts operations in DRC amid tax dispute with rebel administration
Twangiza Mining, a gold miner operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has suspended its mining operations in the South Kivu Province. This decision came after directives from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel administration, which is now controlling the region, reported Reuters, citing a letter shared by the company. In a company-wide letter dated 8 May, general director Chao Xianfeng informed employees of the immediate work stoppage and stated that equipment and vehicles were being placed in standby mode. The suspension of Twangiza Mining's activities underscores the growing tensions over resource control in Congo's eastern regions, the report stated. These areas are known for their mineral wealth and have recently come under the control of M23 rebels. The rebels' advance has led to strategic mining assets falling under new management, causing uncertainty for international mining operators and commodity markets. Manu Birato, the recently appointed M23 Governor of South Kivu Province, has indicated that Twangiza Mining must comply with new regulations and fulfil tax obligations previously neglected. Birato told Reuters: "We are in talks with them and showing them that from now on they must start paying taxes. The country had received absolutely nothing in taxes from this company. The money went into private coffers." Birato also clarified that the administration had not ordered the shutdown but emphasised the company's need to adjust to the new tax requirements. He further explained that the company was struggling to adapt to the new tax regime, highlighting that they were "used to paying nothing". In April 2025, the US announced that it is in discussions with the DRC to make investments in the country. "Twangiza Mining halts operations in DRC amid tax dispute with rebel administration" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Congo gold miner halts operations in tax dispute with M23 rebel administration
(Reuters) -Twangiza Mining, a gold miner operating in the rebel-controlled South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, said it has been ordered to suspend operations by the rebel administration, according to a company-wide letter seen by Reuters. The company, which is managed by Hong Kong-registered Shomka Resources, informed employees of an immediate work stoppage in the letter dated May 8. "Following directives from the new administration in place in South Kivu Province, Twangiza Mining is obliged to suspend its activities," the letter signed by General Director Chao Xianfeng said, adding that equipment and vehicles were being placed on standby mode. The decision highlights tensions over resource control in Congo's mineral-rich eastern regions, where M23 rebel advances have placed strategic mining assets under new administration, creating uncertainty for international operators and commodity markets. The Rwanda-backed rebels seized control of Congo's two mineral-rich eastern provinces earlier this year, and are solidifying their control over the captured territories. Manu Birato, who was recently installed as M23 governor of the South Kivu Province, said Twangiza Mining must adapt to new regulations and pay taxes they have not been paying. "We are in talks with them and showing them that from now on they must start paying taxes," Birato told Reuters. "The country had received absolutely nothing in taxes from this company. The money went into private coffers," he said, adding that the administration had not ordered the shutdown of operations. "We told them they had to start paying taxes. They are having a hard time adjusting to this new requirement, given that they were used to paying nothing," Birato said. A spokesperson for Twangiza declined to comment on Birato's assertions. Twangiza Mining is a joint venture between Congolese-owned Shomka Capital with a 65.5% stake, and Chinese Baiyin International Investments Ltd, which holds a 34.5% share.
