Who are the 'military-backed intruders' occupying ERG's cobalt deposit in Congo, and what is their stated justification?

The intruders are led by Congolese businessman Fatou Ntete Etumba, who claims the government authorized his company to clean up a riverbed on ERG’s land, with apparent backing from influential officials including a Congolese army general under US sanctions; ERG asserts these actions are illegal, and Congo’s mining ministry has intervened to mediate.

What is at stake for ERG’s Metalkol operation due to the incursion, and where is the extracted material being sent?

ERG warns the incursion threatens the commercial viability of one of the world’s largest cobalt operations, potentially cutting its operating life by two-thirds and costing years of revenue; the tailings are being hauled away by truckloads and delivered to three Chinese-owned refineries nearby.

Military-Backed Intruders Occupy Huge Cobalt Deposit in Congo

May 19, 2026

Military-backed intruders have seized a major cobalt tailings operation in Congo, threatening Eurasian Resources Group with $10 billion in lost revenue and a shortened mine lifespan amid government mediation.

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