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Zambian Govt Concludes Investigation into Sino Metals Kafue River Spill

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Constance

Sino Metals Kafue River Spill: Zambian Government Completes Investigation, ZEMA Reviews Impact Report The Zambian Government has concluded investigations into the Sino Metals spillage incident that severely impacted the Kafue River ecosystem earlier last year. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, confirmed that an independent environmental consultant has submitted a comprehensive report assessing the spill’s effects on both surface and groundwater quality. The report is currently under review by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). Dr. Kabeta explained that once ZEMA completes its… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Mineral Prices Rise Sharply at Start of February, with Copper as the Sole Exception

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Constance

DRC Mineral Prices Increase in Early February 2026 as Global Demand Strengthens, Ministry Data Shows Mineral prices in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded a broad upward trend at the beginning of February, according to market data released by the Ministry of Foreign Trade on Monday, February 2, 2026. Nearly all major commodities posted gains, underscoring sustained demand on international markets, with copper standing out as the sole exception. Copper, a pillar of the Congolese mining sector, experienced a slight decline, with its price easing from USD 13,031.40 to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Mining safety

Rubaya Landslide Kills Hundreds as Illegal Mining and Armed Groups Fuel DRC’s Resource Plunder

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 Constance

Rubaya Landslide: A Human Tragedy Fueled by Illegal Mining and Armed Occupation A massive landslide in Rubaya, located in Masisi territory, has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, the majority of them artisanal miners forced into extremely dangerous working conditions amid rampant and illegal exploitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources. According to the Congolese Government, this exploitation is orchestrated by Rwanda and the M23/AFC armed groups. In a statement released on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Central Government reported that preliminary field assessments indicate at least… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Tightens Mining Rules with Mandatory Environmental Rehabilitation Guarantees

January 31, 2026January 31, 2026 Constance

DRC Mining Sector: Government Mandates Financial Guarantees for Environmental Rehabilitation by February 16, 2026 The Congolese government has taken a decisive step toward strengthening regulation of the mining sector by enforcing stricter environmental compliance requirements.In an official letter dated January 30, 2026, the Ministry of Mines instructed all mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to submit proof of established financial guarantees dedicated to environmental rehabilitation. This obligation applies to all mining projects, from the issuance of their operating titles through December 31, 2025. Mining operators must… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Infrastructural Development

DRC President Inspects Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji “Road of Hope” as Key Infrastructure Project Advances

January 31, 2026January 31, 2026 Constance

President Tshisekedi Reviews Progress on 230-Kilometer Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji Road, Boosting Regional Trade On Monday, January 26, 2026, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi visited Kasai-Central to inspect the ongoing construction of the Kananga–Kalamba-Mbuji road, a 230-kilometer strategic transport corridor, being developed by the Sino-Congolese Infrastructure Company (SISC SA). The President was welcomed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, John Banza Lunda, and received technical briefings from Nicolas Nzau Nzau, Director General of the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT), the delegated project owner. The BK control mission was also present to oversee… Read More Here

International Economy

Africa Becomes Net Debt Repayer to China as Lending Strategy Shifts

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Constance

China Scales Back Africa Lending as Debt Repayments Overtake New Loans After two decades of heavy financing, the financial relationship between China and Africa has entered a new phase, marked by a sharp reversal in capital flows. Africa is now a net payer to China, repaying more in debt service than it receives in new Chinese loans. According to The Great Reversal, a report published on January 27 by ONE Data (ONE Campaign), net financial flows from China to Africa fell dramatically from $30.4 billion between 2010 and 2014 to… Read More Here

Copper Economy Mining in DRC

DRC to Export 100,000 Tonnes of Copper to the United States in Strategic Trade Shift

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Constance

DRC Confirms 100,000-Tonne Copper Export to U.S., Signalling New Investment and Trade Strategy The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed plans to export 100,000 metric tonnes of copper to the United States by the end of January, marking a significant shift in the country’s minerals trade strategy and a deepening of economic ties with Washington. The shipment follows the DRC government’s submission to U.S. authorities of a list of state-backed mining projects for potential American investment. The move underscores Kinshasa’s intention to leverage its vast mineral resources to attract… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics International

Lobito Atlantic Railway Records New Operational Milestones at End of 2025 and Early 2026

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Constance

Lobito Atlantic Railway Sets Traffic and Port Handling Records, Strengthening Lobito Corridor At the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) achieved significant operational milestones, reinforcing the Lobito Corridor’s position as a strategic logistics platform for regional and international trade. In December 2025, LAR recorded its highest monthly throughput to date, handling 37,000 tonnes of cargo across both domestic and international traffic. Building on this momentum, January 2026 marked another landmark achievement when LAR facilitated the arrival of the largest sulfur bulk carrier ever handled… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining

Rubaya Artisanal Mining Highlights Need for Stronger Governance and Formalisation

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Constance

Rubaya Mining Sector Underscores Importance of Transparency and Responsible Resource Management in Eastern DRC Artisanal mining in Rubaya, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has emerged as a significant economic activity, underscoring both the region’s vast mineral potential and the urgent need for stronger governance, transparency, and formalization within the sector. Since changes in territorial control in parts of North Kivu, local mining activities particularly artisanal extraction have continued to support livelihoods for thousands of households. Analysts note that improved oversight and the application of national mining regulations… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Mining safety

Deadly Landslide Devastates Kahurizi Mining Site in North Kivu

January 30, 2026January 30, 2026 Constance

More Than 120 Feared Dead After Landslide Hits Kahurizi Mining Site in DRC’s North Kivu A devastating landslide has struck the Kahurizi mining site in Masisi territory, North Kivu province, plunging the Rubaya area into mourning. The disaster occurred on Thursday, January 28, 2026, at the Kahurizi site, located within the PE4731 mining concession. According to a local civil society source who requested anonymity, the provisional death toll is alarmingly high, with more than 120 people feared dead. The victims reportedly include children, women and numerous small-scale farmers, underscoring the… Read More Here