* Bank account seizures, asset freezes undermine sector's

competitiveness, Tshisekedi says

* Ministries instructed to prioritise dialogue and

conciliation

* Comments at cabinet meeting followed Glencore ( GLCNF ) office raid

By Ange Kasongo

KINSHASA, July 13 (Reuters) - Congolese President Felix

Tshisekedi has ordered state revenue agencies to refrain from

heavy-handed enforcement operations against mining companies,

warning that excessive measures could dent investor confidence,

cabinet minutes showed.

Tshisekedi's order reflects efforts by Democratic Republic

of Congo to generate more state revenue from its vast mineral

wealth without spooking investors in the copper and cobalt

sector - a pillar of the country's economy.

Congo, the world's leading cobalt producer and

second-largest copper supplier, has intensified scrutiny of

mining companies in recent years.

In 2025, the state auditor alleged that several major

miners, including China's CMOC and commodities giant

Glencore ( GLCNF ), underreported billions of dollars in revenue,

potentially reducing their mandatory contributions to government

development funds, an allegation the companies denied.

Last week, Congolese tax authorities shut down Glencore's ( GLCNF )

local offices as part of a tax dispute.

Glencore ( GLCNF ) reiterated on Monday that it is engaging with

authorities, while disputing any wrongdoing.

DIALOGUE AND CONCILIATION

Tshisekedi told a cabinet meeting on Friday that recurring

bank account seizures, asset freezes and other unpredictable

fiscal charges were undermining the sector's competitiveness and

increasing operating costs for mining firms, according to

minutes of the meeting seen by Reuters on Monday.

He instructed the economy, finance and mines ministries,

along with revenue agencies, to ensure enforcement actions are

legally justified and used only as exceptional measures, the

minutes showed.

Authorities should instead prioritise dialogue, notification

and conciliation mechanisms provided under the law, the

president said.

It was not immediately clear whether Tshisekedi's directive

was linked to the dispute with Glencore ( GLCNF ). The presidency did not

immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Our ambition remains to build a competitive, transparent

mining sector that creates sustainable value. That requires a

stable legal environment, predictable administrative decisions

and permanent dialogue between the state and economic

operators," Tshisekedi told Friday's meeting.

In a separate directive, he ordered the immediate removal of

soldiers and police officers illegally present on mining sites,

saying such practices fuel fraud, smuggling and insecurity while

damaging the country's image among investors.

Security forces personnel are often stationed at mines to

protect operations and curb widespread illegal mining.