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Rare 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered at South Africa’s Cullinan Mine

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

Cullinan Mine Unveils 42-Carat Type IIb Blue Diamond Valued at $40 Million A rare blue diamond weighing 41.82 carats has been discovered at South Africa’s historic Cullinan Mine, reinforcing the site’s reputation for producing some of the world’s most exceptional coloured diamonds. Industry experts estimate the stone could fetch $30–$40 million at auction. Petra Diamonds, which operates the mine approximately 20 miles east of Pretoria, described the find as a “type IIb blue diamond of seemingly exceptional quality in terms of both colour and clarity.” Specialists are still assessing the… Read More Here

International Corporate News Mergers & Acquisitions

Rio Tinto-Glencore Merger Faces Regulatory Hurdles Amid Chinese Oversight

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

Proposed Rio Tinto-Glencore Merger May Require Asset Sales to Gain Approval from China The proposed merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore could face regulatory scrutiny from China, potentially requiring the sale of key assets to secure approval from the world’s largest commodity buyer. The deal, if completed, would create one of the largest mining companies globally, with a market value exceeding $200 billion. Analysts say China is likely to scrutinise the merger due to concerns over resource security and market concentration, particularly in copper production and marketing and iron ore… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News

KCM Launches “Manja Pamodzi Na 18,000KT” Campaign to Boost Copper Production

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

Konkola Copper Mines Launches Campaign to Promote Safe, Collaborative Copper Production in Zambia Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has launched the “Manja Pamodzi Na 18,000KT” campaign, a company-wide initiative to promote safe, sustainable, and collaborative copper production across all its operations. The campaign was unveiled during the Best Slogan Award Ceremony at KCM’s Corporate Office in Chingola. Director of Mining, Mr Praveen Sharma, noted that the slogan serves as a motivational tool, reinforcing shared responsibility among employees and business partners while inspiring performance. Mr Sharma explained that the campaign aligns with… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Safety & Health

President Hichilema Enacts New Law to Boost Worker Safety in Zambia

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

President Hichilema Signs Occupational Health and Safety Act to Strengthen Worker Protection Across Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act No. 16 of 2025, marking a major step toward enhancing workplace safety and preventing occupational diseases across all sectors of the Zambian economy. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security confirmed that the legislation, formerly known as the Occupational Health and Safety Bill No. 17 of 2025, was signed into law on 23 December 2025. The new Act expands the scope of occupational… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Copper Boosts Zambia’s Stock Market to Global Top Performers

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

Zambia’s Lusaka Securities Exchange Among World’s Best-Performing Markets on Copper Rally Thanks to soaring copper prices, Zambia now boasts one of the world’s best-performing stock markets, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence in global financial circles. The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LSE) benchmark index has risen approximately 17% in U.S. dollar terms in 2026, trailing only Bulgaria among global stock markets. Other markets posting double-digit gains include Colombia, South Korea, and Turkey, while Nigeria recorded an 8% increase. The rally reflects Zambia’s primary export commodity, copper, which has surged to consecutive record… Read More Here

International Corporate News Gold

Zimbabwe’s Largest Gold Mine Secures $132 Million Investment from Canadian Firm

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

Caledonia Mining Invests $132 Million in Zimbabwe’s Bilboes Gold Project to Boost Production Caledonia Mining Corporation, a Canadian miner, has announced plans to invest $132 million in 2026 to advance development of its Bilboes gold project in Zimbabwe, set to become the country’s largest gold mine. The move comes as producers capitalise on record global gold prices. The investment is part of a broader $162.5 million capital expenditure programme for 2026, subject to board approval and funding availability. Caledonia, which currently operates the 80,000-ounce-per-year Blanket Mine, estimates the total cost… Read More Here

Gold Economy International

Mali’s Gold Production Slumps in 2025 Amid Mining Disputes

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

Mali Gold Output Falls 22.9% in 2025 as Barrick Suspension and Mining Reforms Disrupt Production Mali’s industrial gold production declined by 22.9 per cent in 2025, largely due to the prolonged suspension of Barrick Mining’s operations amid a dispute over tougher mining regulations, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Mines. The West African nation, one of Africa’s leading gold producers, has been implementing reforms aimed at increasing state revenue and local value capture under a new mining code introduced in 2023. As part of the reform process, a… Read More Here

Corporate News Copper Mining in DRC

CMOC Targets Double-Digit Copper Growth as Prices Boost Profits

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

CMOC Plans Up to 11% Copper Output Growth in 2026 as Record Prices Lift Earnings Major Chinese mining company CMOC Group is targeting double-digit copper production growth in 2026, buoyed by a strong rally in copper prices that significantly lifted profits, while maintaining its cobalt production guidance following record output last year. In a filing to the stock exchange on Thursday, the Henan-based miner said copper production is expected to reach between 760,000 tonnes and 820,000 tonnes in 2026, representing an increase of up to 11 per cent compared with… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News News in Brief

KCM Achieves RMAP Conformance at Nkana Refinery

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

KCM’s Nkana Refinery Earns RMAP Conformance, Strengthening Zambia’s Responsible Copper Supply Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has recorded a major milestone in its drive for operational excellence and global market competitiveness following the successful completion of the Responsible Mineral Assurance Process (RMAP) assessment at the Nkana Copper Refinery. The assessment, conducted from 29 to 30 September 2025, was completed with no corrective actions required, according to the initial draft report. This marks a significant improvement from the 2023 audit, which resulted in the loss of the refinery’s London Metal Exchange (LME)… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Events & Expos

DRC Reaffirms Strategic Role in Global Energy Transition at Future Minerals Forum

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Constance

DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba Calls for Saudi–DRC Investment Corridor at Future Minerals Forum During the DRC Country Showcase, held on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, His Excellency Mr Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirmed the country’s determination to position itself as a strategic partner in the global energy transition. Addressing delegates, H.E. Minister Kabamba emphasised that the DRC is no longer focused solely on exporting critical raw minerals, but is actively pursuing local beneficiation, refining, and… Read More Here