It’s the latest attempt by the DRC and Gecamines to regain...

It’s the latest attempt by the DRC and Gecamines to regain control of vast deposits of minerals used in things like electric-vehicle batteries. Despite supplying about 75% of the world’s cobalt and being a major copper producer, most DRC mines are foreign-owned. Relations between the state and miners have also been strained by issues over environmental damage and a lack of local investment.ERG didn’t confirm that Gecamines had made an offer to buy its assets or whether it’s interested in selling any. Talks “are ongoing between ERG and representatives or certain of its affiliates in the DRC, with the objective of maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships,” it said in a statement this month.Gecamines executives and President Tshisekedi’s office declined to comment. Congo’s mining ministry didn’t respond to multiple messages requesting comment.Gecamines has already tried to take control of one of ERG’s undeveloped copper and cobalt assets. In a February letter seen by Bloomberg, it told ERG’s Africo Resources DRC Sarl subsidiary that it was cancelling its undeveloped Swanmines joint venture and demanded the return of the permit for the Kalukundi concession due to a lack of development. QUOTE
COB stands out in the global cobalt supply and processing industry as the vulnerable supply from the dominant position held by the DRC is so important to the massive global technology sector IMO

https://www.mining.com/web/congo-wants-erg-copper-cobalt-assets-in-bid-to-regain-control/