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Zambia’s Major Copper Smelters Face Extended Shutdowns, Raising Supply Concerns

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 Constance0 comment

Extended Mopani and Chambishi Smelter Maintenance to Tighten Copper Output and Sulphuric Acid Supply in Zambia Two of Zambia’s largest copper smelters and sulphuric acid producers are expected to shut down for extended maintenance later this year, according to industry sources. The planned outages are likely to further constrain copper production and reduce supplies of sulphuric acid, a critical chemical used in processing copper and cobalt. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has already disrupted global supplies of sulphuric acid and other leaching chemicals. As a result, mining companies in neighbouring… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Investment News

U.S. Firms Show Growing Interest in Congo Mining Assets as Investment Tied to Peace Efforts

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 Constance0 comment

U.S. Companies Eye DRC Critical Minerals Projects Including Rubaya Mine Amid Strategic Push to Secure Supply Chains Companies from the United States are demonstrating strong interest in mining assets in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including projects located in conflict-affected eastern regions such as the Rubaya mining area. However, officials have emphasized that any investment in these assets will need to align closely with ongoing peace initiatives supported by Washington. Earlier this year, the Congolese government submitted a shortlist of strategic mining projects to potential American investors as… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Corporate News Safety & Health

Kansanshi and Mopani Ready to Host Historic International Mine Rescue Competition

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance0 comment

Zambia Prepares to Host First International Mine Rescue Competition in Africa as Kansanshi and Mopani Finalize Preparations Kansanshi Mining Plc has reached an advanced stage of readiness ahead of the International Mine Rescue Competition (IMRC), positioning itself to successfully co-host the prestigious global safety event alongside Mopani Copper Mines Plc. Extensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure compliance with international standards, with key facilities and competition areas now nearing completion. The high level of preparedness reflects a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and Zambia’s growing capacity to host world-class… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

DRC Expands Copper Sales to U.S. as It Strengthens Control Over Strategic Minerals

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Raises Copper Exports to U.S. to 500,000 Tonnes, Launches Strategic Cobalt Reserve to Boost Market Influence The Democratic Republic of the Congo has significantly increased its planned copper sales to the United States to 500,000 tonnes, marking a fivefold rise from the initial commitment announced in January. The move signals the country’s growing ambition to strengthen its position in global critical mineral markets and secure greater control over revenues from its mining sector. The agreement, led by state mining company Gécamines, is being implemented through a marketing partnership… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

Judith Suminwa Leads Strategic Talks at World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Holds Strategic Talks on Economy and Health Financing at World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka arrived in the United States capital, Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 13, 2026, to participate in the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, taking place from April 13 to 18. Beginning April 14, 2026, the Head of Government initiated a series of high-level engagements with development partners and economic experts supporting reforms and sectoral development in the Democratic Republic… Read More Here

International Corporate News Oil & Gas

Trafigura Signs $1bn Oil-Backed Financing Deal with Gabon to Boost Liquidity

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

Gabon secures $1 billion oil-backed financing from Trafigura in seven-year crude supply deal to strengthen public finances and investment spending Global commodities trader Trafigura has signed a $1 billion oil-backed financing agreement with the government of Gabon, providing upfront liquidity in exchange for future crude oil deliveries over a seven-year period. Announced on Wednesday, the arrangement will see Trafigura extend prepayment financing to the Gabonese state while acting as the exclusive buyer of the country’s “profit oil” the share of crude allocated to the government after production costs are recovered… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Oil & Gas Petroleum

DRC Moves to Secure Fuel Supply from Dangote Refinery Amid Global Market Pressures

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

Democratic Republic of Congo explores fuel imports from Dangote refinery as it seeks to diversify petroleum supply sources and strengthen energy security The Democratic Republic of Congo is exploring the possibility of sourcing petroleum products from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery as it moves to strengthen fuel supply security amid ongoing pressures in global refined product markets, according to the Ministry of National Economy. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Daniel Mukoko Samba recently visited Nigeria as part of efforts to secure stable fuel imports for the country. The ministry said… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Mines Minister Pushes for Stronger Geological Expertise and Sector Reform

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba urges reliance on local geologists and reforms to strengthen mining governance and transparency During a visit on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to the National Geological Survey of Congo (SGN), the Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, emphasized the importance of strengthening national geological expertise as a core pillar of the country’s mining strategy. He stated that the government’s ambition is to rely more heavily on Congolese geologists to intensify exploration of the country’s soil and subsoil, with the goal of identifying new mineral deposits… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

DRC Copper and Cobalt Miners Hit by Chemical Supply Disruptions Amid Global Shipping Crisis

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

DRC copper and cobalt producers face sulfuric acid and SMBS shortages as shipping disruptions and rising logistics costs strain supply chains Copper and cobalt producers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing cancelled and withdrawn deliveries of key processing chemicals, forcing some miners to reduce consumption and consider production cuts as global supply chain disruptions intensify. The DRC, the world’s largest cobalt producer and Africa’s leading copper supplier, plays a critical role in global supply chains for electric vehicles and the energy transition. However, its mining sector depends… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News

Ivanhoe Mines Sees Strong Local Demand for Sulphuric Acid in DRC Amid Global Supply Tightness

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 Constance

Ivanhoe Mines benefits from rising sulphuric acid prices in DRC copper belt as supply disruptions tighten global market Ivanhoe Mines says it has a “captive market” for sulphuric acid in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as global prices surge amid constrained supply linked to geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East. The Vancouver-based miner recently began commercial sales of sulphuric acid produced as a byproduct of copper smelting at its Kamoa-Kakula operation to other mining companies operating along the DRC’s copper belt. The acid is a key input in copper… Read More Here