Congo tax agency seals Glencore mine offices in payment dispute
2026-07-13 11:15:21 [Print]
Tax authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sealed offices belonging to a Glencore Plc-owned copper mine, intensifying a dispute over unpaid dues allegedly owed to the state.
The government agency, known by its French acronym DGI, shut Kamoto Copper Co.'s offices in Kolwezi on Thursday, according to people familiar with the matter. One source said the action has not disrupted production at Kamoto's nearby mines and processing facilities.
Congo is the world's second-largest copper producer and the top cobalt producer, with Kamoto ranking among the largest producers of both metals.
The tax authority alleges that the Swiss commodity trading giant's local unit owes billions of dollars, two sources said, asking not to be named discussing sensitive matters. The DGI intervened after settlement talks with the company failed, one source added.
Glencore holds a 70% stake in Kamoto, which produced approximately 190,000 tons of copper last year and is targeting annual output of 300,000 tons. Congo's government and a state-owned company control the remaining 30% stake.
The government agency, known by its French acronym DGI, shut Kamoto Copper Co.'s offices in Kolwezi on Thursday, according to people familiar with the matter. One source said the action has not disrupted production at Kamoto's nearby mines and processing facilities.
Congo is the world's second-largest copper producer and the top cobalt producer, with Kamoto ranking among the largest producers of both metals.
The tax authority alleges that the Swiss commodity trading giant's local unit owes billions of dollars, two sources said, asking not to be named discussing sensitive matters. The DGI intervened after settlement talks with the company failed, one source added.
Glencore holds a 70% stake in Kamoto, which produced approximately 190,000 tons of copper last year and is targeting annual output of 300,000 tons. Congo's government and a state-owned company control the remaining 30% stake.
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