The Congolese tax authority has seized the offices of Glencore Mining Company for allegedly owing payments to the state.

Golden Ten Data reported on July 11 that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tax authority DGI has sealed the offices of a copper mine owned by Glencore, escalating a dispute over alleged unpaid national funds. According to sources familiar with the matter, on Thursday, DGI closed the offices of Kamoto Copper Company located in Kolwezi. One source stated that this raid did not affect production at the company’s nearby mines and processing plants. The DRC is the world’s second-largest copper producer and one of the biggest cobalt producers, with Kamoto being a major producer of both minerals. Two sources indicated that the tax authority is accusing the company of owing several billion US dollars. The sources added that Switzerland’s national tax agency became involved after failing to reach a settlement with the company. A Glencore spokesperson said the company denies the allegations made by DGI and remains in communication with the authorities.