Banro Corp. fka BAA

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http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20160204-rdc-mines-sud-kivu-fraudes-banro-creuseurs-artisanaux
google translated
mining fraud in South Kivu: the prime minister of DRC intervenes
Cassiterite is a rare mineral used in electronics.
© AFP PHOTO / Emannuel PEUCHOT

By RFI Posted on 04-02-2016 Changed at 04-02-2016 at 10:18

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the prime minister grabbed the Banro case. This South African company had complained of seeing state control services and Itri, the producers' association, authorize the removal of minerals from its concessions in Mwenga territory in South Kivu. A load of two tons of cassiterite was intercepted by the struggle against mining fraud unit. But the shipment was made on the orders of the provincial minister, to those who had illegally extracted to the chagrin of society and anti-fraud.

"Prime Minister Matata Ponyo had given clear instructions following a similar case," says one side of the prime minister. Never these minerals should not have been certified as legally operated. According to the Mining Code, the seized minerals are supposed to remain forfeited to the State, said the prime minister.

Yet it is just the opposite has happened in this case. First, the state control services in complicity with the local head of Itri, which is none other than the son of the provincial Minister of Mines , authorized this sale and the release of minerals. Then, once the two tons of cassiterite entered by the anti-fraud, the Provincial Minister of Mines decides to authorize an official act by the restitution of such property "owners traders", "since they paid the taxes due to the state. "

A decision denounced the Congolese employers. According to Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Mines, the case is very serious and contrary to the Congolese Mining Code
The national Ministry of Mines, it minimizes all these legal aspects and emphasizes the reconversion problem "diggers" artisan who were there before the Banro. However, it promises a meeting to clarify the matter. The prime minister said finally take up the case and promises to restore the rules.

During an interview with local media, the provincial mines minister justified his action by explaining that, pending an agreement between Banro and "diggers" craft, it was the State's duty to fight against fraud certifying these minerals rather than see them disappear into informal networks.