Twangiza Mining, which is producing gold in the rebel-controlled South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been ordered to halt operations by the rebel administration, according to news reports citing a letter from the company.
"Following directives from the new administration in place in South Kivu Province, Twangiza Mining is obliged to suspend its activities," Reuters quoted company general director Chao Xianfeng as saying, adding that equipment and vehicles were being placed in 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 said.
"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."
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
