LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - Ivanhoe Mines ( IVPAF ) on

Friday disputed a statement by its Chinese partner about

problems at their co-owned Kakula copper mine in the Democratic

Republic of Congo after seismic activity.

"The press release by Zijin Mining refers to '..multiple

roof-falling and rib-spalling in the eastern section of the

mine,' Ivanhoe said.

"Ivanhoe Mines ( IVPAF ) does not agree with this statement."

Zijin warned in a statement released earlier on Friday that

the mine may not meet annual production guidance, but Ivanhoe

also disputed that, saying an investigation still had to be

completed.