Constance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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KCM Signs US$498 Million China NERIN Deal for 70,000-Tonne Copper Plant

September 18, 2026September 18, 2026 Constance

China NERIN to Build US$498M Copper Recovery Plant for KCM in Zambia Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has signed a US$498 million contract with China NERIN Engineering Technology Corporation Limited to develop a new Tailings Leach Plant (TLP) at its operations in Chingola, Zambia. The plant will have the capacity to recover approximately 70,000 tonnes of copper per year from existing mine tailings, allowing KCM to extract additional value from material generated through previous mining and processing activities. The project forms part of KCM’s broader expansion programme aimed at increasing copper… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

Lobito Corridor targets major freight increase as rail investment accelerates

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 Constance

Lobito Atlantic Railway targets 800,000 tonnes of cargo in 2027 after US$300 million investment Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) is targeting a doubling of international cargo volumes to about 800,000 tonnes in 2027 as new investment strengthens the rail infrastructure connecting Angola with the mineral-producing regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The railway operator expects to move about 400,000 tonnes of international cargo in 2026, with volumes projected to rise to roughly 800,000 tonnes next year as additional rolling stock, track improvements and operational upgrades come on stream. LAR… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Gold Investment News New Mining Projects

Kikonge Gold Mine infrastructure reaches 80% completion as ZCCM-IH invests US$2 million

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 Constance

Kikonge Gold Mine infrastructure 80% complete as ZCCM-IH invests US$2 million Infrastructure development at the Kikonge Gold Mine Project in Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province, has reached 80% completion, with ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) investing US$2 million towards the project’s development. The progress was disclosed during a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Mufumbwe on September 14, jointly hosted by ZCCM-IH and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. The meeting brought together mining cooperatives and other stakeholders to discuss developments at Kikonge, the formalisation of gold mining and opportunities for local… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News

KCM restarts smelter after 106-day rehabilitation with first copper anode

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 Constance

KCM restarts smelter after 106-day shutdown following US$40 million rehabilitation Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has restarted its smelting operations after a 106-day shutdown, marking the return to production with the casting of its first copper anode following an extensive rehabilitation and refurbishment programme. The restart marks a significant milestone for the Zambian copper producer as it moves from major maintenance, and rehabilitation works back to full operational focus at the smelter. KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Satish Kumar congratulated employees, contractors and business partners for completing the shutdown safely, while… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Corporate News Energy

ZESCO signs 25-year PPA for 500MW solar project in Zambia

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 Constance

EnerSynk plans major solar expansion to strengthen Zambia’s power supply ZESCO Limited has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Hungary-based climate infrastructure company EnerSynk Group for a 500MW solar photovoltaic project in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The project, valued at approximately US$519 million, is expected to add significant renewable generation capacity to Zambia’s national grid and support efforts to diversify the country’s electricity mix. The development will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, comprising 300MW, is targeted for commercial operation within 16 months of the agreement’s effective… Read More Here

Corporate News International Mining Equipment

FQM secures patent for trolley-assist technology to cut diesel use

September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 Constance

First Quantum patents trolley-assist technology to cut mining diesel use First Quantum Minerals has secured a patent and trademark in the United Kingdom for its proprietary Quantum Electra-Haul trolley-assist technology, strengthening the company’s efforts to electrify mine haulage and reduce diesel consumption. The technology uses overhead electric power lines to provide energy to haul trucks while they travel along designated sections of a mine’s haul roads. When connected to the trolley line, the truck’s electric wheel motors are powered by electricity, allowing the diesel engine to be switched off. First… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Zinc

KICO accounts for 97% of DRC zinc exports in first half of 2026

September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 Constance

DRC zinc exports reach 112,206 tonnes as KICO accounts for 97% in H1 2026 Kipushi Corporation (KICO), operator of the Kipushi zinc-copper mine in Haut-Katanga Province, accounted for approximately 97% of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s zinc exports during the first half of 2026, according to statistics from the Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM). The DRC exported a total of 112,206.22 tonnes of zinc concentrate during the first six months of 2026. KICO accounted for 108,323.28 tonnes, representing approximately 96.5% of total exports, which rounds to 97%.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC exports more than 41,000 tonnes of cobalt in first half of 2026

September 16, 2026September 16, 2026 Constance

DRC cobalt exports reach 41,140 tonnes in first half of 2026 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exported 41,140 tonnes of cobalt during the first half of 2026, according to statistics from the Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM), a department under the Ministry of Mines. The first-half exports already amount to approximately 92.8% of the 44,338.47 tonnes of cobalt exported by the DRC during the whole of 2025. The figures highlight the strong resumption of cobalt shipments in 2026 following the temporary suspension of exports imposed by… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

DRC Copper Exports Rise to 1.72 Million Tonnes in First Half of 2026

September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 Constance

DRC Copper Exports Reach 1.72 Million Tonnes in First Half of 2026 as Output Growth Continues The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exported about 1.72-million tonnes of copper in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading copper producers and highlighting the continued expansion of its mining sector. The country exported 1,724,217 tonnes of copper between January and June 2026, according to data from the DRC’s mining authorities. The performance represents continued growth from the previous year as major mining operations maintain high production… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Mining tax News in Brief

Mayani Calls for Uniform Mining Tax Regime in DRC

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Constance

DRC’s Fabien Mayani Calls for Single Tax Regime for All Mining Operators Fabien Mayani, Director of the Centre Carter’s extractive industries governance programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has called for a single fiscal regime to apply to all mining operators in the country. Mayani said all mining companies should be subject to the common tax framework established under the DRC’s Mining Code, arguing that a uniform system would promote greater fairness and transparency across the sector. His comments come amid renewed debate over the use of special… Read More Here