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Lobito Corridor to Enhance Freight Capacity with 275 New Wagons from South Africa’s Galison Manufacturing

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 Constance

In furtherance of the commitment to invest $455 million in Angola, the Lobito Atlantic Railway—a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis—has awarded a contract to South Africa’s Galison Manufacturing to supply 275 container wagons over 30 months. This investment, part of a larger procurement plan for 35 locomotives and 1555 wagons, aims to enhance the Lobito Corridor’s freight capacity. The Lobito Atlantic Railway, a consortium of Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, has previously pledged to invest $455 million in Angola, much of which will go towards procuring 35 locomotives and 1555… Read More Here

International Transport and Logistics

USAID Administrator Announces New Investments Along the Lobito Corridor

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 Constance

USAID Administrator Samantha Power and Deputy Secretary Richard Verma visited Luanda, Angola, on April 23-25, 2024. They focused on enhancing the business environment, particularly in agriculture with special focus on Lobito Corridor developments. A key announcement included a $235 million USAID investment over five years to support Angola’s National Development Plan and fund a variety of programs within the Lobito Corridor. Administrator Samantha Power and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma visited Luanda, Angola, on April 23, 2024. During their visit, they met with government officials,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Mining tax Taxes

FQM AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ZAMBIA’S GROWTH WITH OVER $727.8M CONTRIBUTION IN 2023

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals (FQM), has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and sustainable development in Zambia by announcing US$727.8 million of contributions to the nation in 2023, according to the company’s latest Tax Transparency and Contributions to Government Report. The report highlights FQM’s contributions to the Zambian economy and local communities through its Kansanshi copper mine in Solwezi, Trident projects in Kalumbila, as well as First Quantum Mining and Operations (FQMO). In 2023, FQM’s Kansanshi contributed US$153.3 million, while FQM Trident contributed US$263 million in taxes and royalties. Of the royalties paid at… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

President Tshisekedi Fires Intelligence Chief Following Failed Coup Attempt

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 Constance

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has swiftly responded to a recent failed coup attempt by removing Daniel Lusadisu from his position as the head of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR). This decisive action is part of Tshisekedi’s broader efforts to strengthen national security after the attempted overthrow threatened the country’s stability. Lusadisu’s dismissal was confirmed by the government on Friday, following a direct order from President Tshisekedi. The President, known for his commitment to reform and fortify national security measures, is reportedly planning additional changes within… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

South African Peacekeeper Killed in Clashes with M23 Rebels in Eastern DRC

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 Constance

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the death of one of its peacekeeping soldiers following violent clashes with M23 rebels near the city of Sake in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The city is located 27 kilometers west of Goma. The SANDF reported that 13 other soldiers were wounded in the intense confrontation with the M23 rebels. The clashes were triggered by an ambush initially launched by the Congolese army (FARDC), to which the M23 rebels retaliated fiercely. “The members of the SANDF came… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Gold

Illegal Gold Mining Threatens Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Ituri Province

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

During a workshop organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to present their research findings, it was revealed that over 70 gold mining sites are operating illegally within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (RFO) in Mambasa territory, Ituri province. Rodrigues Kiluka, Coordinator of stakeholders in the RFO mining industry, highlighted that this illicit gold mining is contributing significantly to the destruction of this protected area. He also condemned the involvement of certain militias in these illegal activities. Mining stakeholders, who are initiating projects to protect the reserve, have expressed their concerns… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

Congolese Civil Society Criticizes Inconsistent Electrification Policy in Open Letter to President Tshisekedi

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

Concerned about the lack of vision and repeated trial-and-error approaches to the electrification policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society has voiced its apprehensions. United within the Wakisha collective, 18 member organizations sent an open letter to President Félix Tshisekedi following the signing of a new agreement on the Inga 3 project. The Wakisha collective expressed serious concerns about the new memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Inga 3 dam, a mega project aimed at building a new dam with a minimum capacity of around 7,000… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC – Patrick Muyaya Reappointed as Minister of Communication and Media

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

Patrick Muyaya has been reappointed as Minister of Communication and Media in the Suminwa Government. Muyaya is one of the few ministers who have served through the Sama I, Sama II, and now Suminwa administrations. Initially appointed in the Sama I Government, Muyaya brought a vision of changing the narrative by enhancing the country’s image nationally and internationally through strategic institutional communication. As the government spokesperson, he aimed to present the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a positive light. During his second term in the Sama II Government, Muyaya… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

Kizito Pakabomba Appointed Minister of Mines in New Congolese Government

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

Kizito Pakabomba has been appointed Minister of Mines in the new government of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. In his first statement, Pakabomba expressed his gratitude and commitment: “I am deeply honored to have been appointed Minister of Mines. I give thanks to the Lord God. I thank the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister for their trust. I am determined to serve our country with dedication and integrity.” Pakabomba brings over 20 years of international experience in the oil and energy sector, primarily with the TOTAL Group… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

ARSP CEO Reaffirms Subcontracting Authority Against GECAMINES Interference

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

In a letter addressed to the General Director of GECAMINES SA, CEO Miguel Kashal Katemb of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) responded to an attempt by GECAMINES to obstruct recommendations for subcontractors to Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM). Katemb emphasized ARSP’s legal authority in promoting local entrepreneurs. “As a commercial company operating in the mining sector, GECAMINES SA’s corporate purpose includes prospecting, research, and exploitation of mineral deposits, processing of mineral substances, and their marketing. GECAMINES SA has no particular prerogative to manage subcontracting activities in… Read More Here