China defends its mining for infrastructure project in the DRC
On March 24th in Kinshasa, the Chinese side affirmed at a press conference that they had taken enormous risks and uncertainties to create a joint venture with the DRC in order to promote a mining project and an infrastructure project. This came after the General Inspection of Finance (IGF) published a report showing an imbalance in the Chinese contract between the mining and infrastructure aspects after 15 years of operation.
The Chinese Ambassador to the DRC, Zhu Jing, indicated that the IGF report does not correspond to reality and would also suffer from a lack of solid evidence. Contrary to the allegations contained in the IGF report, the profits obtained so far from mining are still far from the $4 billion invested by Chinese companies.
The Chinese side, through its Ambassador, believes that the contract is not a win-lose situation based on the data they have. They also believe that disputes are inevitable but should be resolved through friendly negotiations for the benefit of both parties.
On the other hand, the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Sicomines, Diao Ying, suggested that during the launch of mining production, Chinese companies had to overcome many difficulties, including a lack of electricity, a lack of equipment, and transportation difficulties. The two mines were also flooded with water 134 meters and 169 meters deep, which discouraged all foreign investors for several decades.
“Only Chinese companies did not back down from the challenges. They drained 120 million cubic meters of water, thus preparing the prerequisites for subsequent production,” she said.
After the creation of more than 20,000 jobs in the DRC that allowed a decent life for over 100,000 local residents directly or indirectly, Sicomines also reaffirmed its commitment to continue to accompany the development of the DRC despite everything that is being said to tarnish the image of Chinese investment.
According to Diao Ying, the work of Sicomines has been remarkable throughout the DRC. To date, 43 infrastructure projects have been completed by Sicomines, including the Boulevard of June 30th, the central artery of the city of Kinshasa…
“Through its projects, Sicomines has been able to stimulate the economic development of Kinshasa as well as a dozen Congolese provinces. I reaffirm Sicomines’ good faith in honoring its commitments,” concluded the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Sicomines, Diao Ying.
