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CMOC Targets Sustained Cobalt Output in 2025 Amid Market Pressure

January 25, 2025January 25, 2025 Constance0 comment

The world’s largest cobalt producer, China’s CMOC Group, is aiming to maintain record-high cobalt production levels in 2025 following a rapid ramp-up at its African mining operations. The company has set a production target of 100,000 to 120,000 tons of cobalt for 2025, after achieving an impressive 114,165 tons in 2024, according to a statement on its WeChat account. Elevated production levels could add further pressure to cobalt prices, which are already at their lowest since 2016. CMOC exceeded its full-year 2024 production guidance within the first nine months, causing… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Zambia’s Mines Minister Highlights Strong Growth in Mining Sector

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 Constance0 comment

Zambia’s mining sector is experiencing significant growth, as Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe highlighted during a press conference on January 22, 2025. The sector’s robust performance, driven by increased copper production and enhanced employment figures, is contributing to economic growth and local development. Copper production rose by 12% in 2024, with notable contributions from Lumwana and First Quantum Mines. Mopani Copper Mines also saw impressive results, including a workforce increase from 10,765 to 12,684 employees, alongside a rise in copper grades from 1.68% to 2.21%. As a result, production surged… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Corporate News Electricity

Jubilee Metals Secures New Power Supply Agreement in Zambia for Stable Operations

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 Constance0 comment

London- and Johannesburg-listed Jubilee Metals has successfully secured regulatory approval for a new power supply agreement in Zambia, with power delivery commencing on January 20. This agreement enables the company to restart its Roan concentrator, ensuring a stable power supply moving forward. The new power supply agreement, executed with a broad-based power provider, grants Jubilee access to a distributed power base from multiple generation sources. This reduces reliance on a single supply source and mitigates risks associated with localized power distribution limitations. Jubilee highlights that the additional power supply is… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

Belgium Appoints Investigating Magistrate in DRC’s Conflict Minerals Case Against Apple

January 22, 2025January 23, 2025 Constance0 comment

An investigating magistrate has been appointed in Belgium to look into criminal complaints filed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in December, accusing Apple subsidiaries of using so-called conflict minerals in their supply chain, according to a lawyer representing the DRC government. Leo Fastenakel, one of the DRC’s lawyers in Belgium, confirmed the appointment of the judge, noting that the magistrate is regarded as serious and rigorous, although he did not disclose the magistrate’s name. The investigation will determine whether any offences have been committed, with decisions based… Read More Here

International Corporate News New Mining Projects

Barrick Gold Seeks to Sell Stake in Zaldivar Copper Mine as Focus Shifts to Larger Projects

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Constance0 comment

Barrick Gold is looking to divest its 50% stake in the Zaldivar copper mine in Chile, as the company shifts its focus to larger and more profitable operations, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has enlisted advisors and approached potential buyers for its share in the mine, which is jointly owned with Antofagasta. The process is still in its early stages, and no deal is guaranteed, the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Although Barrick is keen to expand its copper portfolio in response to… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Pins Economic Revival Hopes on Mining Sector Amid Drought Challenges

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Constance0 comment

Zambia is looking to the mining sector for an economic recovery after facing a sharp slowdown in growth due to the worst drought in living memory, according to Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane. Speaking at an event discussing the economic outlook, Musokotwane highlighted that new mines were set to open soon, and existing mines were reinvesting to boost production. “If all goes according to plan, 2025 should mark the start of this revival, and it will strengthen year after year,” he said. The government estimates that copper production in 2023 exceeded… Read More Here

International Corporate News Gold New Mining Projects

Barrick Gold Supports Pakistan-Saudi Deal for Stake in Reko Diq Mining Project

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Constance0 comment

Pakistan is still in negotiations with Saudi Arabia over the sale of a minority stake in the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, controlled by Barrick Gold. Key details, including where the minerals will be processed, remain under discussion. The Pakistani government hopes the agreement will extend beyond exploration to involve some downstream activities within the country, according to Musadik Malik, Pakistan’s petroleum minister. Earlier, the Saudi government announced plans to acquire Pakistan’s minority stake in the Reko Diq project through Manara Minerals Investment Co., a Saudi firm backed… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt

Chile Launches $3-$4 Million Initiative to Extract Cobalt and Rare Earths from Mining Waste

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Constance0 comment

SANTIAGO – Chile’s development agency, Corfo, has launched a call for studies focused on extracting cobalt and rare earths from mining waste, offering $3 million to $4 million per project for a three-year period. This initiative is part of Chile’s strategy to tap into its nearly 800 tailings deposits across the country. Mining companies are increasingly looking for ways to extract valuable metals from these waste deposits, especially as global demand for metals like cobalt and copper surges with the energy transition. “These are strategic minerals, particularly cobalt and rare… Read More Here

International Corporate News Mergers & Acquisitions

Glencore Explores Strategic M&A Opportunities Amid Industry Challenges

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Constance0 comment

LONDON – Mining and commodity trading giant Glencore has reaffirmed its openness to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that enhance shareholder value, leveraging its position as one of the world’s top three copper producers. “As we have always said, M&A is something we are good at, and we are always open to transactions that are value-accretive for the company,” a Glencore spokesperson stated. In 2024, potential M&A activity dominated investor discussions within the mining sector. However, the challenges of integrating diversified producers were highlighted when BHP’s $49-billion bid for Anglo American… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics News in Brief

SADC Ministers Convene in Lobito to Discuss Agency’s Organizational Framework

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 Constance0 comment

Members of the Committee of Ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are meeting today in Benguela to deliberate on the organizational structure of the Agency. This marks the second meeting of the group, held in the rail-port city of Lobito. The discussions aim to refine the framework and operations of the Agency, aligning it with SADC’s goals of regional cooperation and sustainable development. Lobito, renowned for its strategic position and infrastructure connecting inland regions to international markets, serves as a fitting venue for this important gathering. This meeting… Read More Here