ARSP CEO Reaffirms Subcontracting Authority Against GECAMINES Interference
In a letter addressed to the General Director of GECAMINES SA, CEO Miguel Kashal Katemb of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) responded to an attempt by GECAMINES to obstruct recommendations for subcontractors to Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM). Katemb emphasized ARSP’s legal authority in promoting local entrepreneurs.
“As a commercial company operating in the mining sector, GECAMINES SA’s corporate purpose includes prospecting, research, and exploitation of mineral deposits, processing of mineral substances, and their marketing.
GECAMINES SA has no particular prerogative to manage subcontracting activities in the private sector, and cannot sign memorandums of understanding with its partners in violation of Law No. 17/001 of February 8, 2017, which establishes the rules applicable to subcontracting in the private sector,” insisted Katemb.
He added, “The ARSP has not concluded any agreement with GECAMINES SA that would grant the latter authority over subcontracting matters.
The ARSP’s recognized missions are clear and cannot be transferred to GECAMINES SA, whose statutes clearly indicate its corporate purpose.”
Katemb also urged GECAMINES to refrain from obstructing the vision of the Head of State, which aims to enhance access for Congolese entrepreneurs to markets previously occupied by non-eligible and underperforming companies.
“I invite the managers of GECAMINES SA, who delegated authority to the signatories of the aforementioned letter, to avoid interfering in subcontracting regulations and to refrain from any actions that would unnecessarily expose them and undermine the vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Head of State.
This vision seeks the emergence of a true middle class comprised of Congolese entrepreneurs, which the ARSP is working to integrate into the value chain of large companies.”
Additionally, the ARSP requested TFM to consider the recommended lists of subcontracting companies to facilitate their rapid market access.
