Congolese mining company Compagnie minière Orient industrielle (Comoi-Sarl) has accused Ding Sheng SARL, a Chinese-owned firm, of illegally operating on three of its gold concessions in Mambasa territory, Ituri province.

In a complaint reported by the ACP news agency, Comoi-Sarl claims that Ding Sheng SARL is operating without authorization on its concessions, in breach of the national Mining Code. In its official complaint to the head of the General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) in Kinshasa, Comoi-Sarl said it is the sole holder of research permits No. 16133, 16188, and 16325, all properly registered and validated by the mining authorities.

The company has requested that the IGM immediately suspend Ding Sheng SARL’s operations, seize its equipment, and order $10 million in damages for losses incurred.

According to ACP, an inspection team from the provincial mines division in Ituri confirmed the presence of Ding Sheng SARL’s operations on the disputed sites, supporting Comoi-Sarl’s allegations. The case has been referred to local authorities for follow-up, including the head of the Congolese National Police’s economic and financial crimes unit in Ituri, the Mambasa territory administrator, and the local mining office chief.

The incident follows a similar crackdown on Oct. 5, when Chinese nationals were arrested for illegal mining at a Kibali Gold concession in Haut-Uélé. That operation, led by Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, resulted in the seizure of equipment and the immediate closure of the site.

Ronsard Luabeya