The Morning Call
How far will the tussle between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the multinationals that exploit the rich mineral deposits go?
Cobalt, germanium and colombo-tantalite are now classified as strategic minerals in the DRC. According to a decree signed by Prime Minister Bruno Tshibala and Minister of Mines Martin Kabwelulu on 24 November and made public on Monday.
This action is in line with the new mining code adopted at the beginning of the year and already in force. It plans to surcharge strategic ores, thus the royalty rate for cobalt and coltan is expected to increase from 3.5% to 10%.
Like Areva, which mines uranium in Niger, the multinationals that manage minerals in the DRC are raising concerns.
02:10
Congo-Rwanda deal: Uncertainty over whether the hostilities will end
00:54
African Human Rights court says it can hear case brought by DRC against Rwanda
00:58
Cash crunch stalls UN probe into possible war crimes in DR Congo
01:08
DRC extends ban on cobalt export for another three months
01:03
SADC peacekeeping troops begin final phase of withdrawal from east DRC
01:14
DR Congo Justice Minister under fire over $19M transfer