Mineral shipments from a Congolese copper and cobalt operation, primarily owned by China’s Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd, have been suspended due to elevated radiation levels, according to a letter from the Congolese mines minister seen by Reuters on Monday.
The letter, dated April 12, notified the COMMUS project, where Zijin holds a 72% stake, of the suspension of its mining license while authorities investigate the issue.
Mines Minister Antoinette N’Samba Kalambayi stated in the letter, “I have been informed of the return of your shipments that exported mineral products to South Africa, citing excessive radioactivity levels exceeding regulatory thresholds.”
The revelation raises concerns about potential health and safety risks associated with the exported minerals, prompting swift action from Congolese authorities to address the situation.
