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Trafigura Partners with Venezuela’s Minerven to Launch Responsible Gold Sourcing Program

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Constance

Trafigura–Minerven Gold Deal: Venezuela Moves Toward Responsible Mining and US Market Access Commodity trading giant Trafigura will collaborate with Venezuela’s state-owned mining company, Minerven, to develop a responsible gold sourcing programme as part of a pre-payment agreement for gold doré, a semi-refined gold alloy. The initiative forms part of broader reforms in Venezuela’s mining sector under acting President Delcy Rodríguez. These reforms follow recent policy shifts supported by the United States, aimed at attracting foreign investment and formalizing key industries, including oil and mining. Earlier this month, the United States… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Hydro power plant Mergers & Acquisitions Press Release

GLOBELEQ CONFIRMS ACQUISITION OF A MAJORITY STAKE IN ZAMBIA’S LUNSEMFWA HYDRO POWER COMPANY

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Constance

Globeleq, the leading independent power company in Africa, has completed its acquisition of a 51% equity stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company (LHPC) from Norfund, the Norwegian development finance institution. The transaction represents a major step in Globeleq’s entry into the Zambian energy market and the South African Power Pool (SAPP). The remaining 49% of LHPC is owned by Wanda Gorge Investments, a Zambian-based infrastructure investment company. LHPC operates two hydroelectric power plants with a combined capacity of 56 MW and is constructing a 27 MWp solar PV project. Its… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Zambia HIV Aid Talks With US Intersect With Copper Mining Interests

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

US Ties $1.5 Billion HIV/AIDS Aid Package to Zambia Mining Talks Amid Critical Minerals Race The administration of Donald Trump has linked discussions over HIV/AIDS funding for Zambia with broader negotiations involving the country’s mining sector, highlighting how the global race for critical minerals is increasingly intersecting with foreign aid, according to a report by The New York Times. At the center of the discussions is a proposed $1.5 billion US health aid package intended to support Zambia’s fight against HIV and other infectious diseases. According to the report, United… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Africa’s Critical Minerals Gain Strategic Importance as Global Demand Intensifies

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

Africa’s Rare Earth and Strategic Minerals Attract U.S. Interest Amid Global Supply Chain Pressures Africa is increasingly emerging as a strategic source of rare earth elements and critical minerals as the United States seeks to secure alternative supply chains for materials essential to defense technologies and advanced industries. Rare earth elements are vital components in modern military systems, including missile guidance technologies, fighter aircraft, radar systems, and secure communications networks. As geopolitical tensions rise and military inventories are replenished, reliable access to these minerals has become a growing strategic priority.… Read More Here

Exploration

Declining Exploration Spending Threatens the Future of South Africa’s Mining Industry

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

South Africa’s Mineral Exploration Spending Falls for Seventh Straight Year as Zambia and DRC Attract Investors Spending on mineral exploration in South Africa has declined for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting persistent structural challenges in the country’s efforts to revitalize its mining sector. Despite remaining Africa’s largest exporter of mineral products, the country is witnessing a steady reduction in budgets allocated to exploration activities an essential stage for identifying new mineral deposits and developing future mining projects. As investment weakens, competing mining jurisdictions such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

Rising Demand for Strategic Metals Boosts Africa’s Role in the Global Tech Supply Chain

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

Ruthenium and Tantalite Prices Surge to Multi-Year Highs as Demand for AI and Electronics Grows Prices of ruthenium and tantalite, two strategic metals widely used in electronics, aerospace systems, and advanced computing technologies, have climbed to multi-year highs as global demand accelerates while supply remains constrained. This market shift is strengthening the strategic position of African producers, particularly South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which play key roles in supplying these critical minerals to the global technology industry. Ruthenium Prices Rise as Supply Remains Limited Ruthenium,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

Tshisekedi Urges Economic Vigilance as Global Tensions Threaten DRC Mining Sector

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Moves to Protect Mining Sector and Economy as Global Geopolitical Tensions Rise President Félix Tshisekedi has warned members of the government about the potential economic consequences of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, stressing that global instability could affect the mining-driven economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The head of state delivered the warning during the 82nd meeting of the Council of Ministers, held on March 13 at the African Union City in Kinshasa. According to the president, rising geopolitical tensions are already generating volatility… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining New Mining Projects

Zambia to Allocate 8,000 Hectares at Kikonge Gold Site to Over 500 Artisanal Miners in Mufumbwe

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

Government to Allocate 8,000 Hectares to Artisanal Miners at Kikonge Gold Site The Zambian government is set to allocate about 8,000 hectares of land as mining tenements to more than 500 artisanal miners at the Kikonge Gold Site, in a move aimed at formalising small-scale mining activities and promoting safer operations. Director of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Billy Chewe, said the land will be distributed to organised mining cooperatives operating in the area. Mr. Chewe explained that each cooperative is expected to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Raises $26.4 Million in Treasury Bond Auction Amid Moderate Investor Demand

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Raises $26.4M in Treasury Bond Auction as Government Seeks $640M From Domestic Market in 2026 The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) raised $26.4 million on the domestic financial market during a Treasury bond auction held last week. The information was disclosed in a press release published on March 11, 2026 by the country’s Ministry of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which presented the results of the financing operation. According to the official document, the amount raised corresponds to a coverage rate… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Burundi Signs Strategic Mining Agreements With U.S. Companies in Washington

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 Constance

Burundi Signs Critical Minerals Deals With KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals in Washington The United States Department of State hosted a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday for two strategic agreements between the government of Burundi and American mining companies aimed at advancing exploration and development of critical minerals. The event took place in the presence of Sarah Troutman, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, whose mandate includes promoting U.S. exports and expanding investment opportunities for American companies across sub-Saharan Africa. Agreement With KoBold Metals The first agreement links the… Read More Here