27th Jan 2025 14:43
(Alliance News) - Rome Resources PLC on Monday said its operations remained "unaffected" despite escalating conflict in the nearby Congolese city of Goma.
The mining company focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo operates its primary tin project at Bisie Ridge in Kivu province, of which Goma is the capital. The city is near the eastern border with Rwanda, and is close to falling to the Rwandan army and militia forces, following weeks of advances.
Rome Resources said it has relocated field operations to Bukavu, roughly 200 kilometres north of Goma. The company insisted that drilling operations continue as planned, with three rigs operational at the Mont Agoma and Kalayi prospects. Rome is currently reviewing drill results from the latter.
Shares in the company dropped 7.5% to 0.28 pence each on Monday afternoon in London.
"Our exploration programme is progressing steadily across our licences and we remain committed to advancing our projects in a safe and responsible manner," said Chief Executive Paul Barrett.
"The well-being of our employees and contractors is our primary consideration, and we are closely monitoring the situation in Goma, while maintaining open lines of communication with our local team."
Meanwhile, the UK, US, France and Germany have told their citizens to leave Goma, according to AFP reporting early Monday afternoon.
The conflict, which in January displaced more than 400,000 people, was sparked by a dispute over the region's mineral assets. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of attempting to seize gold through its support of local militia forces, and on Sunday told the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwandan minerals.
Rwanda has denied the allegations, and rejected calls to withdraw its fighters, whilst the DRC says it continues working "to avoid carnage" in Goma.
By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter
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