The M23 armed group on Thursday denied allegations that its fighters stole at least 500 kilograms of gold bullion from Twangiza Mining’s concession in South Kivu, an area where the rebels have expanded control this year.
The mine operator said this week the gold had been “secretly transported through underground channels” and accused M23 of bringing in Rwandan technicians to extract geological data with a view to resuming and scaling up production. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23 despite accusations from U.N. experts and several governments.
Speaking at a press conference, Corneille Nangaa—who heads a rebel alliance that includes M23—said the industrial operation at Twangiza is not running and only artisanal miners are present. He added that M23 lacks the equipment to operate a large-scale mine and accused Congolese government forces of striking the site, including by air, alleging civilian casualties without providing a toll.
Twangiza reported a drone strike on Oct. 15 that destroyed power generation infrastructure at the site. Responsibility for the strike remains unclear. Congo’s government did not respond to a request for comment.
M23 launched a rapid offensive this year and seized more territory in eastern Congo than ever before, taking control of the Twangiza site in May. The company says losses since the takeover exceed 100 kg of gold per month, in addition to around $5 million in equipment and materials. It plans to lodge complaints with Congolese authorities and international arbitration and has declared force majeure.
U.N. investigators say multiple armed groups have taken over mining sites across the mineral-rich east. A U.N. Security Council briefing last year estimated M23 revenues at about $300,000 per month from mineral taxes in the coltan hub of Rubaya.