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Glencore Declares Force Majeure on Copper Shipments from Altonorte Smelter

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 Constance

London-listed mining giant Glencore has declared force majeure on copper shipments from its Altonorte smelter in Chile, following a suspension of production at the facility, according to two industry sources. Force majeure is typically declared when unforeseen events prevent companies from meeting contractual obligations. The sources were unable to confirm how long operations at Altonorte, which has an annual capacity of 350,000 metric tons of copper in anode form, would remain halted. Glencore has yet to comment on the situation. Although Altonorte’s output represents only a small portion of global… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC’s Mining Minister Condemns Fraudulent Exploitation of Natural Resources

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 Constance

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba has denounced illegal mining practices that undermine the national economy. Speaking in Kinshasa on Thursday, March 27, during a meeting with representatives of processing entities, he condemned the illicit exploitation of the country’s natural resources. “It is unacceptable that some entities continue to source from uncertified suppliers, promoting fraudulent exploitation that harms our economy and the environment,” Pakabomba stated. He also highlighted the challenges faced by artisanal miners, who are frequently exploited through unfair trade practices. Calling for stricter enforcement,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Corporate News Lithium

Rio Tinto Eyes Roche Dure Lithium Mine Amid DRC Talks

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 Constance

Rio Tinto has engaged in early discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) about developing the Roche Dure deposit into a lithium mine. Roche Dure is one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium resources, making it a highly strategic asset in the global lithium market. Neither Rio Tinto nor the DRC’s Ministry of Mines has commented on the talks. Meanwhile, the DRC is also in discussions with the U.S. government over a potential minerals-for-security agreement aimed at countering a Rwanda-backed rebellion in its eastern provinces. California-based exploration company KoBold… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia

Zambia’s Mining Pollution Poses Growing Environmental and Economic Risks

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025 Constance

Concerns over mining pollution in Zambia are growing as experts highlight severe health risks and economic instability linked to environmental hazards. Economic analyst Kelvin Chisanga has raised alarm over the discharge of harmful chemicals into the country’s water bodies by mining companies, calling for urgent regulatory action. “The mining sector once promised economic growth, job creation, and increased revenue. However, with stakeholders failing to uphold environmental standards, we are witnessing a dangerous trend of pollution,” Chisanga stated. He emphasized that Zambia’s mining industry has long operated under weak regulatory oversight,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia’s Economy Surpasses Growth Forecasts Amid Strong Q4 Performance

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Constance

Zambia’s economy outperformed expectations in 2023, exceeding growth forecasts from both the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), driven by a sharp rise in fourth-quarter output. According to preliminary data, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4% in 2023, down from 5.4% in 2022, acting Statistician-General Sheila Mudenda announced on Thursday. This figure far exceeded the IMF’s projection of 1.2% and the estimates of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, Bloomberg reported. The economy recorded an impressive 8.6% growth in the last quarter—the fastest pace in over a decade—bolstered… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Imposes Record $4.3 Million Fine for Mining Transparency Violations

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Constance

As of January 1, 2025, individuals and entities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face a $4.3 million fine for obstructing transparency and traceability in the mining sector. This penalty, outlined in Decision No. CAMI/DG/003/2024, was issued by the Mining Cadastre (CAMI) on December 16, 2024, marking the most severe enforcement action under the country’s amended Mining Code. Despite its significance, the ruling has received little public attention. The updated fines stem from Article 375 of the 2018 Mining Code, which mandates annual revisions of fines in foreign currency,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Bank of Zambia to Launch New Kwacha Banknotes on March 31

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 Constance

The Bank of Zambia will introduce a new family of Kwacha banknotes on Monday, March 31, making them immediately legal tender while beginning the gradual phase-out of the existing designs. The new series includes the 500, 200, 50, 20, and 10 Kwacha notes, featuring: According to Kagolis Mwamulowe, Director of the National Heritage Conservation Commission, the new notes highlight Zambia’s unique natural heritage, including its diverse flora and fauna. Leonard Mwanza, CEO of the Bankers’ Association of Zambia, reassured the public that banks and ATMs are fully prepared for the… Read More Here

Copper Corporate News International

FQM Suspends Public Tours of Panama Copper Mine Amid Govt Pressure

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 Constance

First Quantum Minerals announced on Thursday that it will halt public tours of its shuttered copper mine in Panama following concerns raised by President José Raúl Mulino that the company should not create the impression that the site remains operational. Speaking at a press conference earlier that day, Mulino clarified that no discussions had taken place with First Quantum regarding the mine’s future. The Panamanian government ordered its closure in late 2023 after widespread public protests over environmental concerns. “I don’t want them to give the impression that the mine… Read More Here

International Corporate News Gold

Mali Expects Gold Output Recovery in 2025 Amid Barrick Gold Standoff

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 Constance

Mali anticipates a slight rebound in industrial gold production in 2025, assuming Barrick Gold resumes operations following a prolonged dispute with the government, according to a document from the country’s mines ministry seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Gold production is projected to reach 54.7 metric tons in 2025, up from 51.7 tons in 2024, which marked a 23% decline from previous years. As one of Africa’s leading gold producers, Mali hosts around 15 operational gold mines, primarily owned by Barrick Gold, B2Gold, Resolute Mining, Endeavour Mining, and Hummingbird Resources. Barrick… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

China’s Exploitation of DRC’s Minerals Sparks U.S. Intervention Calls

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025 Constance

In a strong critique of China’s mining operations in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Mulala Nguramo, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, accuses China of exploiting African mineral resources through corruption, poor governance, and human rights violations. Citing trade data, Mulala highlights that China-Africa trade volume stands at $282.1 billion, growing at about 1.5% annually. Despite this, China controls nearly 90% of the DRC’s mining sector while failing to support governance reforms or anti-corruption efforts. Instead, Mulala claims China actively engages in corruption… Read More Here