Congo govt supports Freeport sale of Tenke copper mine – mines minister

Congo's mines minister said on Thursday that the government "salutes and supports" China Molybdenum's bid to buy Freeport McMoRan's majority stake in the giant Tenke copper project despite objections from state miner Gecamines. The statement by Martin Kabwelulu appeared to be an effort to smooth passage of the transaction after Gecamines said last week that it had challenged the deal at the International Court of Arbitration in Paris to assert a right of first offer.