Constance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Written by Constance

Mali to Receive $1.2 Billion from Miners in First Quarter Following Mining Overhaul

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 Constance

Mali is set to receive 750 billion CFA francs ($1.2 billion) from miners in the first quarter of this year, following a significant overhaul of its mining sector. In late December, Mali received 500 billion CFA francs from mining companies after successful negotiations, Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou told Parliament. The total amount is expected by March 31, according to Sanou’s statement to Mali’s National Transition Council, as reported in minutes from the late December meeting, which were aired by the state broadcaster ORTM. Mali’s military-led government has taken a tough… Read More Here

International Uranium

Namibia Seeks Chinese Investment to Enhance Uranium Sector and Clean Energy Efforts

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 Constance

Namibia, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, is actively seeking investment from China in nuclear power to strengthen its role in the global transition to clean energy. “We aim to add value to our uranium for the peaceful development of nuclear energy,” said President Nangolo Mbumba during a meeting on Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a week-long tour of Africa. Yi’s visit underscores China’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa, aiming to outpace the United States by offering better trade deals, more investment… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Transport and Logistics

Zambia Railways Crucial to Copper Transportation

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 Constance

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has emphasized the critical role of Zambia Railways Limited in transporting the projected three million tonnes of copper. He highlighted that the revitalization of the mining sector in the province requires the active involvement of Zambia Railways in the copper transportation process. Mr. Matambo reassured that the government will continue to support the company, recognizing it as a key player in achieving the country’s copper production goals. Meanwhile, newly appointed Zambia Railways Managing Director, Cuthbert Malindi, affirmed the company’s commitment to aligning with the government’s… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Chinese Investments Strengthen Copperbelt Mining Sector and Economic Growth in Zambia

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 Constance

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo has highlighted a surge in Chinese investment in the province’s mining sector, which has significantly boosted economic activity. Speaking at a Rongxing Mining Company event in Kitwe honoring employees in 2024, Mr. Matambo acknowledged the positive impact of Chinese investments on the Copperbelt’s economy. He urged mining companies in the region to prioritize fair wages and ensure decent working conditions for their employees. Kalulushi District Commissioner Kelly Jibinga also commended Rongxing Mining Company for its contributions to the district, emphasizing the importance of partnerships that foster… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia to Benefit from Rising Copper Prices in 2025

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

Senior Economist Andrew Nsunge believes Zambia stands to benefit significantly from the anticipated rise in copper prices in 2025. Mr. Nsunge emphasized the need for Zambian businesses to increase their supply to the mining sector, enabling more indigenous Zambians to capitalize on the growth. He also suggested that Zambians could benefit further by becoming more involved in copper transportation. In a phone interview with ZNBC News, Mr. Nsunge stressed the importance of implementing and enforcing policies that support the participation of local businesses in the mining industry. He attributed the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia Transport and Logistics

Zambia and DRC to Clear 500 Trucks Daily to Ease Kasumbalesa Border Congestion

January 12, 2025January 20, 2025 Constance

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to allow the clearance of at least 500 trucks per day to address the congestion at the Kasumbalesa border on the Copperbelt. This decision comes in response to the over 3,000 trucks marooned on the Zambian side of the border. Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe announced that another measure to alleviate the situation is extending the working hours for customs officers, from six hours to 20 hours, at the Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts. Speaking at a meeting in Chililabombwe,… Read More Here

International Corporate News

Vedanta Secures $300 Million in Loans to Strengthen Financial Position

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

Vedanta Resources’ parent company announced on Friday that it has secured commitments from Barclays, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Mashreq for a $300 million loan, with a tenor of three years and three months. The funds will be used to refinance outstanding 2024 and 2026 bonds and cover other debt servicing obligations, according to Vedanta’s filing with the stock exchange. The company is seeking to expand the deal and is in advanced talks with other banks to secure an additional $200 million in loans. Last year, rating agencies S&P Global… Read More Here

International Mining Equipment

Caterpillar Marks 100 Years of Innovation and Growth with Global Celebrations

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

NYSE-listed Caterpillar is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025, marking a century since the merger of Holt Manufacturing and CL Best Tractor on April 15, 1925, which formed Caterpillar Tractor Co. Over the past 100 years, Caterpillar has evolved from its first track-type tractor, designed to pull combine harvesters in northern California, to offering modern autonomous construction and mining equipment, as well as engines used in various industries worldwide. Caterpillar products and services have played a significant role in completing thousands of industrial, construction, and infrastructure projects globally. “Our success… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC’s Mineral Prices and Security Challenges Shape Economic Outlook for 2025

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

In its economic outlook note for the first week of December 2025, released on January 9, the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) reported that as of December 30, 2024, the price of Brent crude oil stood at USD 74.15 per barrel, reflecting a slight increase of 0.57% from the previous week. The BCC attributed this rise to positive economic prospects for China, particularly after the country announced a recovery plan. However, on a yearly basis, the price of Brent crude has dropped by 4.78% compared to December 2023. Regarding copper,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Zambia’s Northwestern Mining Boom Creates 30,000 Jobs and Boosts Copper Outlook

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

The mining sector in Northwestern Province generated an additional 30,000 jobs last year, driven by major projects like the $2 billion expansion at Barrick’s Lumwana superpit. Minister of Northwestern Province, Robert Lihefu, highlighted the impressive growth of the sector in the region, noting that three major projects—Barrick’s Lumwana mine, Kansenseli Gold Mine, and the Kalengwa Mine, which was reopened by President Hakainde Hichilema in November after 46 years of closure—accounted for approximately 27,000 jobs. The remaining 3,000 jobs were created by smaller mining operations within the province. Looking ahead, the… Read More Here