A Hong Kong court has halted proceedings in a bribery case connected to a long-running mining dispute in the Democratic Republic of Congo, pausing a prosecution that has drawn international attention.

The case centres on allegations that payments were made in connection with rights to valuable mineral assets in Congo, a country rich in copper and cobalt reserves critical to global supply chains.

Prosecutors had argued that individuals and entities based in Hong Kong were involved in transactions that potentially breached anti-corruption laws.

In its ruling, the court determined that procedural and evidentiary issues warranted a suspension of the case at this stage.

Judges indicated that further clarification was required regarding jurisdictional questions and the admissibility of certain materials before proceedings could continue.

Legal representatives for the defendants welcomed the decision, stating that the allegations had been contested from the outset and that due process must be upheld.

They have maintained that their clients acted lawfully and within the bounds of commercial practice.

The mining assets at the heart of the dispute have been the subject of competing claims and arbitration efforts spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Congo’s mineral wealth has made it a focal point for foreign investment, while also exposing transactions to heightened scrutiny under international anti-bribery standards.

Anti-corruption enforcement has become an increasingly prominent issue for financial centres such as Hong Kong, where authorities have sought to reinforce compliance frameworks and maintain global credibility.

It remains unclear whether prosecutors will seek to revive the case after addressing the court’s concerns or pursue alternative legal avenues.

The suspension leaves unresolved questions surrounding the broader mining dispute and the alleged financial arrangements connected to it.