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Zambian Miners Trapped in Flooded Shaft

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

In a morning incident at Macro Link Mine on the Ndola-Mufulira road, seven miners find themselves trapped in a flooded underground shaft. Augustine Kasongo, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, confirmed the occurrence, which took place around 07:00 hours, today January 22nd. Among the trapped miners, five are Zambians, and two are Chinese nationals. The mine, currently in its development stage, has suspended operations in response to the emergency. Kasongo revealed that the mine’s safety department is actively engaged in pumping out water as part of ongoing efforts to rescue the stranded miners.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining

Zambia’s Small Scale Mining Association Lauds Govt for Granting Local Mining Licenses

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

The Small Scale Mining Association expresses appreciation to the government for its initiative in granting numerous mining licenses to local entities. Acting President Kelvin Tembo applauds this move, highlighting its potential to stimulate economic growth and ensure widespread benefits for Zambians from the country’s mineral resources. In an exclusive interview with ZNBC in Kitwe, Tembo emphasizes the need for the government to tighten the procedures for obtaining and reselling mining licenses. This precautionary measure aims to prevent artisanal miners from engaging in unauthorized selling of their licenses. And mining economist… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Events & Expos Sponsored Content

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema to Deliver Keynote Address at Mining Indaba 2024

January 22, 2024January 30, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is set to deliver a keynote address at Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to revitalising his country’s mining sector and delivering jobs and economic growth to the people of Zambia. This will be Hichilema’s second appearance at Mining Indaba as President, having delivered a keynote address in May 2022, shortly after his landslide election victory in 2021. Since this historic election, President Hichilema has made quick progress towards achieving his objectives, implementing several measures to revitalise the mining sector in Zambia.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Mining Policy

Zambia’s Ministry of Mines Discourages Unauthorized Sale of Mining Assets

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

In a notable shift, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development emphasizes a departure from granting licenses for mere speculation purposes, both to Zambians and foreigners. The move aims to channel mining activities towards meaningful socio-economic contributions. Hapenga Kapeta, the Permanent Secretary of Mines and Mineral Development, revealed that the mining cadastre has issued over 700 licenses to Zambians since 2022. This represents a significant 33% of the total licenses, granted to both individuals and cooperatives. Dr. Kapeta stresses that possessing mining licenses comes with a responsibility to actively engage… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Konkola Copper Mines Prepares for Resumed Operations

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s Mines Minister, Paul Kabuswe, provided assurance to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) management, confirming the completion of all necessary documentation with Vedanta Resources to resume mine operations. Kabuswe emphasized that the only pending aspect is the scheme of operations, currently under legal scrutiny, with all processes finalized by December of the previous year. Despite the positive outlook, Cornelius Chimbanga, the General Manager of the Konkola Deep Mine Project, highlighted challenges preventing the mine from operating at full capacity. Liquidity issues pose a significant hurdle, impacting the mine’s efficiency. Hastings Sholande,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

Zambia’s Transport Minister Commends Ratification of Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, expresses immense satisfaction following the recent ratification of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor. This development, involving the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and Zambia, is poised to be a game-changer, fostering economic growth not only within member countries but also beyond. Tayali underscores the significance of this corridor in propelling economic development, aligning with the Zambian Government’s vision to transform the nation into a pivotal transport and logistics hub within the region. This strategic move resonates with the government’s broader goal of steering Zambia… Read More Here

Equipment & Technology Mining Equipment

Epiroc unveils latest electric Pit Viper drill rigs

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

Epiroc has introduced three new electric Pit Viper drills as part of its Pit Viper rotary blasthole drill rigs range. With the release of the Pit Viper 271 XC E, Pit Viper 275 XC E, and Pit Viper 291 E blasthole drill rigs, Epiroc now provides electric alternatives for each drill in its Pit Viper series. Falling under the banner of its smart and green series, Epiroc’s newest electric-driven Pit Viper drills promote a more sustainable operation by boasting a smaller carbon footprint, achieved through zero exhaust emissions and zero… Read More Here

International

Brazil negotiates mining investments with Saudi Arabia-minister

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

Brazil and Saudi Arabia are discussing investments in sustainable mining and the energy transition, according to Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira. Attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Silveira met with the Saudi ministers of investments, Khalid Al-Falih, and industry and mining, Bandar Alkhorayef. “Last night, I had a bilateral meeting with the minister of investment and the minister of mining from Saudi Arabia to discuss essential investments for Brazil in energy transition, as this is our great vocation,” Silveira told CNN. Silveira said he had… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Economy

DRC and China Discuss $7 Billion Financing for Mineral-Infrastructure Deal

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

President Felix Tshisekedi announced during his second inaugural address in Kinshasa that China and the Democratic Republic of Congo are in discussions for $7 billion in financing as part of a renegotiated minerals-for-infrastructure deal. Tshisekedi has been advocating for the restructuring of a 2008 $6.2 billion contract, arguing that the original deal, centered around the Sicomines copper and cobalt mine, has provided minimal benefit to Congo. While the mine has been operational for years, Congo’s government reports that less than a third of the promised $3 billion in development funds… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt International Lithium Mining Personality

Mehdi Wetterwald Exits Trafigura’s Metals Unit Amid Transformations

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

Mehdi Wetterwald, previously co-head of battery metals at Trafigura Group, is leaving the trading house, marking the latest in a series of senior departures from its metals unit. Wetterwald, who had been with Trafigura since 2012, was appointed as co-head of global nickel, cobalt, and lithium trading alongside Daniel von Arx last February. Following a significant alleged nickel fraud against the company, von Arx later assumed sole leadership of the division. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Wetterwald is departing for personal reasons. His… Read More Here