The issues being dealt with by Glencore hopefully are more company specific, and probably not reflective of a wider trend in the DRC. The industry group as a whole appears to be trying to work through the new Mining Code with the government authorities.
"JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) –
Mining companies operating in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (
DRC) are hopeful that their current engagement with civil society and other key interest groups will contribute to a better understanding of certain issues that need to be dealt with before the country’s new
mining code is implemented.
The
mining companies that are currently in discussions with civil society and the
DRC government include
Randgold Resources,
Glencore,
Ivanhoe Mines,
Gold Mountain International/
Zijin Mining Group,
MMG Limited,
Crystal River Global, China Molybdenum and AngloGold Ashanti
The industry submitted a formal proposal to the
DRC Ministry of Mines on March 29, which was aimed at addressing concerns about the new
mining code.
The industry’s proposal includes provisions to explicitly preserve
mining agreements entered into previously by the government, while proposing a sliding scale on royalties for
copper, cobalt and
gold which, in the industry’s view, would be a more effective mechanism for government to share in higher commodity prices than the windfall tax and strategic minerals stipulations contained in the new code.
The Ministry of Mines has not yet formally responded to the industry’s proposal.
Mining companies, however, believe a way forward can be found, which would be in the best interests of all parties.
“A mutually
acceptable solution would support and encourage the substantial investment the
DRC requires for the optimal development of its mineral
resources and the growth of its economy,” the companies noted in a joint statement issued on Monday.
"
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/ar...mining-code-issues-can-be-resolved-2018-04-23