#mining #Gerald Group #Soremi SA #Boko Yanga #Republic of Congo

Gerald Group Issues Warning over Unauthorized Tenders by Soremi SA

In a firm announcement, the Gerald Group has warned potential buyers against unauthorized tenders issued by Soremi SA, a mining company operating in the Republic of Congo. Soremi SA, operated by the Société de Recherche et d'Exploitation Minière, announced tenders for approximately 10,000 tons of copper cathodes and 40,000 tons of zinc ingots on June 6, 2025. However, Gerald Group contests the legality of these actions, citing various court rulings that uphold their exclusive rights over Soremi SA's production.

Background of Soremi SA

Soremi SA is situated in the Boko Yanga metal corridor in the Republic of Congo and produces copper and zinc products. The company's ownership is linked to Soremi Investments Ltd. (SIL), which is currently under the control of a court-appointed administrator following a series of legal decisions in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. These decisions affirm Gerald Group's claim over SIL's 65% stake, previously held by the China National Gold Group Hong Kong Ltd (CNG).

Gerald Group highlights that the ongoing operations and management of Soremi SA have been compromised by CNG's actions. Despite being stripped of its stake, CNG continues to act as if it retains control, ignoring court mandates that were designed to restore lawful governance and operations within the company.

Legal Proceedings Against CNG

Legal battles have ensued over four years, accumulating significant consequences, including millions in legal fees and financial distress for Soremi SA. Gerald Group's legal strategy is focused on enforcing court rulings to reinstate proper management and protect the assets of Soremi SA, which are currently at risk due to CNG's flagrant disregard for judicial authority.

CNG’s persistent defiance of these orders not only jeopardizes the company’s future but also raises serious ethical and legal questions regarding its operations as a state-owned enterprise (SOE) under the purview of the Chinese government. The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council has come under scrutiny for allowing such violations.

Potential Consequences for Buyers

Gerald Group has taken a proactive stance by alerting all possible buyers that participation in these tenders could lead to severe legal repercussions. All sales stemming from these unauthorized tender documents are labeled illegal and could result in claims for damages against the buyers under national and international law. Gerald Group emphasizes the risks of engaging in these transactions, underscoring that they will pursue all available legal remedies against those involved.

The Current Landscape

As the situation unfolds, Gerald Group remains vigilant, asserting their right to the entire output of Soremi SA and expressing a commitment to reclaim rightful control over the operations. The company, established in 1962, is recognized as a prominent player in the metal trading sector, specializing in non-ferrous, ferrous, and precious metals. Gerald Group leverages its extensive logistics capabilities to ensure the efficient delivery of metals globally.

Conclusion

The illegal activities being conducted by Soremi SA cast a long shadow over the operational integrity of the mining sector in the Republic of Congo. Gerald Group's alerts serve as a critical reminder for potential investors to remain cautious and informed about the legal standing of any transactions they consider. As the case progresses, the industry will be watching closely to see how these legal conflicts resolve and what that means for the future of Soremi SA and the broader mining operations in the region.