Constance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Written by Constance

China to Build Solar Power Plant in Zambia’s Kasempa District

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The Chinese government has announced plans to construct a solar power plant in Kasempa District, North-Western Province, Zambia, this year. The project aims to supply electricity to Chinese-owned mines in the area, reducing the impact of load management challenges on mining operations. Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zambia, Wang Sheng, emphasized his country’s interest in exploring investment opportunities in North-Western Province, particularly in the mining, energy, and agriculture sectors. Speaking during a meeting with North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu, Mr. Sheng highlighted plans to establish not only the solar power plant… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC to Establish Independent Commission to Combat Fraud in Mining Sector

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is taking decisive steps to address escalating fraudulent practices within its mining sector. Following a ministerial meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior, Shabani Lukoo, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the establishment of an independent commission to tackle these issues was announced, according to his communications unit. The new commission will focus on analyzing fraudulent practices and proposing solutions to effectively combat smuggling and fraud that undermine the national economy. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency and integrity in mining activities, ensuring… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Corporate News

CMOC Group Achieves Record Cobalt Production with African Expansion

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

China’s CMOC Group set a new benchmark in global cobalt production in 2024, thanks to a rapid increase in output from its African mining operations. The company announced it produced 114,165 tonnes of cobalt last year, nearly doubling the 55,526 tonnes achieved in 2023. This output far exceeded its 2024 guidance of 70,000 tonnes, solidifying CMOC’s status as the world’s leading cobalt supplier. In 2023, CMOC overtook Glencore as the largest global cobalt producer, driven by significant production gains from its Kisanfu mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Emeralds

Zambia re-introduces 15% export duty on emeralds

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

Gemfields has become aware that a new statutory instrument in Zambia dated 30 December 2024 and which came into effect on 1 January 2025 (S.I. No. 88 of 2024, the Customs and Excise (Precious Stones) (Export Duty) (Suspension) (Revocation) Order, 2024) has revoked the 2019 suspension of a 15% export duty on precious gemstones. This directly impacts the Zambian emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited (“Kagem”) which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% owned by the Zambian Government’s Industrial Development Corporation. This 15% export duty now applies on top… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

Lumwana’s Super Pit Expansion Officially Launched

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The development of a Super Pit at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine was officially launched in October 2024 by the Zambian President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by members of his cabinet. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony also attended by the Barrick board of directors, Mark Bristow said a critical element of the Super Pit Expansion was its focus on creating a sustainable legacy through the development of local capacity within the region, which would benefit both local communities and businesses throughout the construction and operational phases. The expansion will need… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia New Mining Projects

ZEMA Approves $10 Billion Worth of Projects in 2024, Mining Leads the Way

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 1,325 projects in 2024, with a total investment value of $10 billion, marking a significant rise from the 1,129 projects worth $7 billion approved in 2023. In a statement issued on Friday, ZEMA Board Chairperson, Professor Lovejoy Malambo, revealed that mining projects led the approvals, accounting for 678 projects or 51% of the total. “The Environmental Assessment Committee of ZEMA’s 5th Board of Directors approved 108 development projects during its 27th ordinary meeting held on December 27, 2024,” Malambo said. The manufacturing… Read More Here

International

Timothy Foden Warns of Persistent Risks for Foreign Mining Companies in Africa

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

Timothy Foden, Partner and Co-Head of the Arbitration Group at Boies Schiller Flexner, has cautioned that foreign mining companies operating in Africa continue to face significant risks. Boies Schiller Flexner specializes in representing mining companies in disputes with sovereign states. Foden attributes these risks to the rise of “Coup Belt” states, which are challenging the Western-dominated international order and increasingly aligning with Russian and Chinese interests. He noted that while some African nations, such as Mozambique and Zambia, have demonstrated prudent dealings with foreign investors, optimism regarding a broader trend… Read More Here

International

Republic of Congo Finalizes Study on Development Minerals to Boost Local Economic Growth

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

The Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Mining Industries and Geology, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has convened a steering and review committee to finalize a baseline study on development minerals. This initiative is part of a €13.1 million capacity-building project aimed at enhancing the management and utilization of these underexploited resources to drive local economic growth. The study identifies development minerals, such as construction materials and industrial minerals, as crucial to employment generation and economic activity. This is particularly relevant during the Republic of Congo’s municipalization… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Oil & Gas

DRC Ratifies Hydrocarbon Cooperation Agreement with Uganda

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

Following approval by both the National Assembly and Senate during the September session, Law No. 24/022 of December 30, 2024, authorizing the ratification of a cooperation agreement on the exploitation of hydrocarbons and joint deposits between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been promulgated by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, through a series of orders broadcast on national television (RTNC). This ratified agreement, signed in Kampala on June 23, 1990, and January 25, 2008, was presented by Minister of Hydrocarbons,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

Copper Prices Remain Volatile, Straining DRC’s Economy

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

Copper, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) main export product, continues to experience significant price fluctuations on international markets. According to the latest data from the National Commission of Mercuriales at the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the price of copper dropped to 8,824 US dollars per ton during the week of December 30, 2024, to January 4, 2025, marking a decrease of 1.33% compared to the previous week. This ongoing volatility is causing concern for the Congolese economy, which relies heavily on copper exports for revenue. Experts warn that these… Read More Here