Congo brings experts in to assess $6.7 billion projects in mines, roads with Chinese
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Congo's government is bringing in outside experts to investigate the long-term impact of some $6.7 billion in contracts with Chinese companies that critics say could exploit the central African nation's mineral riches.
Congo's government has a 32 percent stake while China has 68 percent in the mining project called Sicomines. The Chinese companies are building roads, railways, hospitals and other infrastructure for a stake in mining.
Deputy general manager of Sicomines, Jean Nzenga Kongolo said the project now employs about 3,000 people, of whom 70 percent are Congolese.
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World Bank representative Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye said the project is aligned with the right objectives. He and a U.N. official visited the site Saturday.
Civil society leader Jonas Tshiombela says a more thorough evaluation of the contract still must be done.