Congo's mines ministry has ordered a Huayou subsidiary to honour US$6 million in community compensation ahead of Atlantic Lithium's December 14 takeover vote.

Published 10 Nov 2026, 15:53 GMT

2 min read

Workers at the Ewoyaa lithium project site in the Central Region — Ewoyaa lithium project site (file photo)

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:002:44

Playback speed

Chinese battery-materials group Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt faces questions over US$6 million in unpaid pollution compensation in the Democratic Republic of Congo while pursuing ownership of Ghana's Ewoyaa lithium mine developer.

Congo's mines ministry said on Friday, November 6, that Huayou subsidiary Congo Dongfang International Mining (CDM) remains legally bound to pay the compensation to three communities despite suspending its operations and citing financial difficulties, Reuters reported.

Shareholders of Atlantic Lithium, the developer of the proposed Ewoyaa mine in the Central Region, are scheduled to vote on December 14 on a US$210 million cash takeover by Huayou's Hong Kong subsidiary.

The Congolese dispute stems from a November 2025 industrial wastewater spill at CDM's copper and cobalt facility in Lubumbashi, where a water-retention basin was used to store acidic solutions that escaped into surrounding neighbourhoods.

Congolese authorities suspended the subsidiary's operations for three months, imposed a US$6.6 million penalty payable to the state treasury and ordered CDM to pay US$2 million each to the affected communities of Kasapa, Kamatete and Kamisepe.

"Financial difficulties or the suspension of operations do not exempt the operator from its obligations toward affected populations," the Congolese mines ministry said after delays hit the community compensation programme.

In Ghana, Huayou has already secured a direct stake in the Ewoyaa Lithium Project after completing a novation agreement in October to acquire Elevra Lithium's 22.5 per cent interest and offtake rights across Atlantic Lithium's Ghanaian portfolio.

Following a no-objection confirmation from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Huayou agreed to sole-fund US$66 million in remaining Stage 3 development costs to raise its project stake to 50 per cent alongside Atlantic Lithium.

The separate corporate acquisition of Atlantic Lithium — set out in a scheme booklet registered on November 6 — would delist the miner from the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Australian Securities Exchange and London's AIM market if approved.

Shareholders and the court must approve the takeover, and its terms must align with the Minerals Income Investment Fund.

Regulatory clearance is also needed from the Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Huayou faces scrutiny over US$6m Congo pollution payouts as Ewoyaa lithium takeover nears vote

Suggested for you

More Stories

The &#39;New Economy &#39;idea is a scam - Oppong Nkrumah

TCL partners Guinness Ghana DJ Awards 2026; announces fan gifts and regional watch parties

British Museum extends loan of 15 Asante royal regalia items in Ghana until 2030

MTN staff not responsible for MoMo fraud; report fraudsters to authorities – Boadi

Amin Adam questions how the Mahama gov&#8217;t will raise US$10bn for the &#8216;New Economy&#8217;

Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse: Domestic Violence Coalition demands independent probe, accountability

Discussion

The 'New Economy 'idea is a scam - Oppong Nkrumah

Amin Adam questions how the Mahama gov’t will raise US$10bn for the ‘New Economy’