You are here

Written by 

DRC Signs €150 Million Energy Deal with Germany’s Gauff Engineering 1 Mining in DRC Energy 

DRC Signs €150 Million Energy Deal with Germany’s Gauff Engineering

Constance
On March 17, 2025, in Berlin, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a €150 million (approximately $165.5 million) contract with Germany’s Gauff Engineering to construct 230 photovoltaic and mini-hydropower plants over the next four years. The agreement, announced by the Congolese Agency for Rural and Peri-Urban Electrification (ANSER), marks a significant step in expanding the country’s energy infrastructure. While details on the financing agreement remain undisclosed, part of the funding is expected to come from Germany. The initiative aligns with a broader rural and peri-urban electrification program formalized during… Read More Here
EU Sanctions Rwanda Over Alleged Role in DRC Conflict and Mineral Smuggling 2 Mining in DRC 

EU Sanctions Rwanda Over Alleged Role in DRC Conflict and Mineral Smuggling

Constance
On March 17, 2025, the European Union imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials accused of fueling the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and illegally exploiting its mineral resources. The sanctions target the Gasabo Gold Refinery in Kigali and Francis Kamanzi, head of Rwanda’s mining regulator. Mining has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, accounting for nearly 70% of total exports and 3% of GDP in 2023, generating $1.1 billion—$883 million from gold alone. With mineral reserves estimated at $150 billion, Rwanda has drawn major investors, including Rio Tinto,… Read More Here
Tshisekedi and Kagame Hold Landmark Talks in Doha Amid Escalating DRC Conflict 3 Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict 

Tshisekedi and Kagame Hold Landmark Talks in Doha Amid Escalating DRC Conflict

Constance
After months of failed attempts, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Paul Kagame of Rwanda finally met on March 18, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. Mediated by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the meeting marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough in efforts to resolve the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. A joint communiqué issued after the talks reaffirmed all parties’ commitment to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” referencing agreements made at the February East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in… Read More Here
Africa’s Mining Sector Goes Digital to Attract Investment 4 Mining technology Mining in Zambia 

Africa’s Mining Sector Goes Digital to Attract Investment

Constance
African countries rich in minerals are accelerating the digitalization of their mining licensing processes to attract investment and maximize resource utilization for economic growth. Zambia recently launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System, a digital platform aimed at streamlining license issuance. This initiative is expected to boost investor confidence and support the country’s goal of increasing copper production to 3.1 million metric tons by 2031. The system follows a record $9.3 billion in mining investments in 2024 and a 79% surge in permits issued, signaling strong global interest in Zambia’s… Read More Here
Angola Warns Gold Miners in Cabinda Over Non-Compliance 5 International Gold 

Angola Warns Gold Miners in Cabinda Over Non-Compliance

Constance
Most mining companies operating in Angola’s Cabinda province, particularly in the gold sector, risk losing their exploration licenses due to non-compliance with government regulations, warned Angola’s Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Jânio Corrêa Víctor, on Saturday. Speaking to the press during a two-day working visit to Cabinda, Víctor revealed that out of 11 licensed gold projects in the province, only one has delivered tangible results, while the rest remain inactive. He noted that Angola continues to face a significant gold production deficit, making it difficult to achieve its mining… Read More Here
TAGS & Sodiam Sell $15.4M in Rough Diamonds at 2025 Luanda Tender 6 Diamond Corporate News International 

TAGS & Sodiam Sell $15.4M in Rough Diamonds at 2025 Luanda Tender

Constance
Trans Atlantic Gem Sales (TAGS) and Angola’s state-owned diamond trader, Sodiam, successfully sold more than $15.4 million worth of large rough diamonds at their first tender of the year. The sale, held from March 5 to 13 in Luanda, featured 36 diamonds over 10 carats, including seven stones exceeding 60 carats. Approximately 95% of the goods found buyers. TAGS, which markets production from seven Angolan mines—Lulo, Tchegi, Somiluana, Kaixepa, Chitotolo, Catoca, and Luele—saw contributions from all of them in this auction. Among the highlights were two high-value diamonds from Lucapa… Read More Here
Glencore to Take 10% Stake in Cobalt Investment Firm Amid Market Slump 7 International Corporate News 

Glencore to Take 10% Stake in Cobalt Investment Firm Amid Market Slump

Constance
Glencore is set to acquire a 10% stake in Cobalt Holdings, a new investment company planning to list on the London Stock Exchange in May, the Financial Times reported. Cobalt Holdings will operate similarly to commodity investment firms like Yellow Cake, which deals in uranium, by purchasing and holding physical supplies of cobalt. As part of a long-term agreement, Glencore will sell $200 million worth of cobalt—produced as a by-product of its copper mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—to Cobalt Holdings. This move is expected to reduce… Read More Here
Coltan ore1 Mining in DRC 

DRC Cracks Down on Illegal Mineral Exports Linked to M23 Rebels

Constance
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying efforts to curb the illegal export of its minerals, particularly those allegedly smuggled by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. During a cabinet meeting on Friday, Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba announced a series of measures aimed at cutting off the rebels’ access to revenue from mineral sales, which Kinshasa claims is fueling both their operations and Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict. As part of these measures, the DRC has designated the mining sites of Rubaya in Masisi territory and Nyabibwe in Kalehe territory as… Read More Here
Zambia and DRC to Lead Africa's Copper Industry Expansion in 2025 8 Copper Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia 

Zambia and DRC to Lead Africa’s Copper Industry Expansion in 2025

Constance
Africa’s copper industry is set for significant expansion in 2025, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia leading the charge. Both nations are ramping up production through new mining projects, increased exploration, and modernization of existing operations to meet growing global demand. Copper production surged across Africa in 2024, with top producers setting ambitious targets for further growth. In the DRC, output rose by 12.6% year-on-year, reaching 3.3 million metric tons—accounting for 11% of global supply. This increase was driven by the Phase Three Expansion of Ivanhoe Mines’… Read More Here
Japan Allocates $1.2 Million to Enhance Zambia’s Mining Sector 9 Mining in Zambia 

Japan Allocates $1.2 Million to Enhance Zambia’s Mining Sector

Constance
In a move to support Zambia’s goal of expanding its mining capacity, the government of Japan has provided $1.2 million in grant aid. The funds will be used to procure laboratory equipment for Zambia’s Geological Survey Department, enhancing its ability to identify viable mining locations and improve operational efficiency in the sector. Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane welcomed the grant, stating, “The new equipment will not only improve the accuracy and efficiency of geological surveys but also attract further investment into Zambia’s mining sector. Increased investment will create… Read More Here

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Copperbelt Katanga Mining will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.