HONG KONG, May 20, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. (2899.HK; 601899:SH; "Zijin Mining" or "The Company") provides the following response to the recent article published in Africa Intelligence titled "Zijin Mining pays $70m to mysterious Congolese NGO".

Zijin Mining believes the insinuations of impropriety or wrongdoing in the article titled "Zijin Mining pays $70m to mysterious Congolese NGO" are categorically false, misleading, and unfounded.

The Company did not make a donation to the NGO, Le Bouclier. The contribution was made by Manono Lithium, in which Jinxiang Lithium, a subsidiary of Zijin Mining, controls a 61% ownership, as disclosed by the Company on October 24, 2023. The donation ceremony was also held publicly with media in attendance, and press coverage of the event was subsequently published.

The NGO in question was thoroughly vetted and recommended by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention, independent of external influence and/or Jean-David E’ngazi’s appointment to Cominiere. The decision was based on humanitarian considerations and there is no basis for referring to the NGO as "mysterious".

The article also fails to accurately represent the comprehensive scope of our partnership with the local community and our dedication to corporate social responsibility. Zijin Mining stands by the integrity of its actions and remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical business practices.

Regarding the specific details of the fund transfer to the NGO outlined in the article, the Company will be launching an inquiry into the allocation and disbursement of funds by the NGO, to ensure transparency, accountability, and the sustainable development of the region.

The article also misrepresents the findings of the IGF report in relation to the 15% share purchase from Cominiere in 2021, made by Jin Cheng Mining, another subsidiary of Zijin Mining. Neither Zijin Mining or any of its subsidiaries made any payment to Focus Plaidoirie in relation to the above said transaction. Jin Cheng Mining conducted the required due diligence on the seller (Cominiere) and the asset.

As a globally responsible mining company, Zijin Mining affirms that it has diligently complied with all legal and regulatory requirements throughout the processes outlined in the article.

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