The dispute started last August when DRC’s government announced it had formed a commission to reassess the reserves and resources at TFM, which is also among the world’s largest copper producers. It is not run by Gecamines or by CMOC (China Moly),” he said. In a video filmed at TFM’s offices, Ngoie declared that he was now in control. Ngoie, who had been named Gecamines’ representative to TFM shortly before his appointment as temporary administrator, officially took charge on Thursday, Gecamines secretary-general Patrice Pungwe said. But in a letter dated June 1 and seen by Reuters, justice minister Ruth Mutombo ordered that it be enforced. Implementation of the ruling was suspended after the DRC government called for an investigation. In February, a court had appointed the administrator, Sage Ngoie Mbayo, for a period of six months in response to a claim brought by Gecamines. The DRC is also the world’s top producer of cobalt, which is used in electric batteries, and Africa’s leading miner of copper. “There is no change in the management right of TFM, and production and operations are running as usual,” China Molybdenum spokesperson Vincent Zhou said in an email to Reuters. The secretary-general of Congo’s state mining company Gecamines told Reuters on Thursday that a court-appointed temporary administrator had officially taken charge amid a dispute between TFM shareholders.Ĭhina Moly controls an 80 percent take in the copper and cobalt mine, while Gecamines owns 20 percent. There has been no change in control of Tenke Fungurume Mining, majority owner China Molybdenum has said, contradicting authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who said a temporary administrator had taken control of one of the world’s largest cobalt and copper mines.