Constance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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Mining in Zambia Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Zambia Temporarily Closes Key Border Crossings with DRC Amid Safety Concerns

August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 Constance

The Zambian government has temporarily closed three major border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Copperbelt, citing safety concerns and the need to protect property amid ongoing protests in the neighboring country. The affected borders—Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania—are vital trade routes between the two nations. Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga confirmed the closures, emphasizing the decision was made to safeguard Zambian citizens and assets due to the unrest in the DRC. The protests in the DRC, which have intensified over the past ten days,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Zambia to Fully Map Mineral Resources to Combat Illegal Mining

August 10, 2024August 11, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul C. Kabuswe, MP, has stressed the importance of continued support and collaboration in the mining sector. During a speech in Lusaka on August 9th, Minister Kabuswe highlighted the Government’s commitment, alongside key stakeholders, to fully map Zambia’s geological landscape. This initiative is crucial for combating illegal mining and uncovering untapped mineral resources. Currently, only 49 percent of the country is mapped, a situation the Minister noted has worsened illegal mining activities. Once the full mapping is completed, the Government will have… Read More Here

International Gold

Ghana Unveils First Gold Refinery to Curb Smuggling and Add Value

August 10, 2024August 10, 2024 Constance

The Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, which will process 400 kilograms of gold daily, primarily sources raw materials from artisanal and small-scale mines. These mines contribute about one-third of Ghana’s annual gold output of roughly 4 million ounces, according to Bloomberg. Bank of Ghana Governor Ernest Addison stated that the refinery will play a crucial role in curbing gold smuggling, a persistent issue in the country, by providing a ready market for artisanal and small-scale miners. “This refinery can mitigate the incentive for smuggling and help promote transparency and accountability in… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Drilling

Rome Resources Begins Drilling at Kalayi Prospect in DRC

August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 Constance

Aim-listed Rome Resources has commenced drilling at its Kalayi prospect in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kalayi, along with the Mont Agoma and Mont Agoma Northwest prospects, forms part of the Bisie North projects. Local contractor Mole Drilling Congo has completed site setup and staff orientation and has initiated drilling at Kalayi’s first diamond core drill hole. Two more diamond core drill rigs are scheduled to be deployed to additional sites, one at Kalayi and another at Mont Agoma, with drilling expected to begin within the next… Read More Here

International Copper Gold

BHP Plans to Sell Brazilian Copper and Gold Assets Acquired from Oz Minerals

August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 Constance

BHP Group, the world’s largest miner, is planning to sell the Brazilian copper and gold assets it acquired through its $6.3 billion takeover of Oz Minerals in May 2023, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has enlisted Banco Santander SA to advise on a potential sale following a strategic review of these assets. This acquisition was BHP’s largest in over a decade and was aimed at increasing the company’s exposure to critical materials used in clean energy and electric vehicles. However, BHP has no plans to divest… Read More Here

Copper Mining in Zambia

Jubilee Resources Begins Operations at Upgraded Roan Project in Zambia

August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 Constance

Diversified metals producer Jubilee Resources Group has initiated operations at its newly upgraded Roan project in Zambia. The launch of the project’s front-end section enhances the processing capacity and operational flexibility of the existing milling and flotation units. The newly constructed front-end section, located adjacent to the current milling and flotation circuits, boosts Roan’s overall processing capacity to a maximum of 13,000 tons per year of copper. This upgrade is part of Jubilee’s broader strategy to increase operational capacity, which also includes ongoing upgrades to the Sable refinery. The combined… Read More Here

International Lithium Uranium

Namibia Tightens Mining License Approvals Amid Underperformance

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Namibia has announced that less than half of its approved mining projects are currently operational, leading the government to adopt a stricter approach to issuing permits. Of the 162 mining licenses approved by the country, only 68 are active, according to Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo, who spoke at a conference in Windhoek on Wednesday. As the world’s third-largest uranium producer and a nation rich in lithium and rare earth minerals like dysprosium and terbium, Namibia is seeking to better manage its resources to benefit its citizens. The government… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects Partnership

Tertiary Minerals’ Zambian Subsidiary Signs Strategic Agreement with FQM on Mukai Copper Project

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Tertiary Minerals’ newly established Zambian subsidiary, Copernicus Minerals, has signed a binding letter of agreement (BLA) with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for the Mukai copper project in Zambia. Copernicus Minerals is 90% owned by Tertiary Minerals (Zambia), which is 96% owned by Tertiary Minerals. Under the agreement, FQM is granted an initial 24-month exploration due diligence period, during which it is committed to funding a minimum of $1.5 million in exploration expenses, with $500,000 allocated for the first year (Phase 1). FQM can earn an initial 51% stake in the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

Glencore Halts Cobalt Stockpiling as Surplus Market Predicted for 18-20 Months

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Glencore has ceased stockpiling electric vehicle (EV) battery material cobalt, according to CEO Gary Nagle, who stated on Wednesday that the market is likely to remain in surplus for another 18 to 20 months. In August 2023, the London-listed miner announced that it had stockpiled cobalt in the first half of the year, reducing supplies to the market to support prices. However, the company did not disclose the quantity of cobalt stockpiled, and Nagle declined to comment on current stock levels. Increased production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

FQM to trim work hours at stalled Panama copper mine

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is trimming working hours at its stalled copper mine in Panama in a bid to rein in the cost of preserving the site following last year’s shutdown order, the union said. The Canadian firm will reduce extraordinary hours available to workers and end Sunday activities, according to a union statement. Changes will take effect Aug. 15. First Quantum declined to comment. “The company is executing this action without support from the workers that are still there to keep the project afloat,” union leader Michael Camacho said… Read More Here