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DRC Emerges as Strategic Leader in Global Critical Minerals

February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo Strengthens Global Role in Critical Minerals and Green Economy In Washington D.C., the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) confirmed its position as a strategic player in the global critical minerals sector during the first Ministerial Meeting on these resources, held on February 4, 2026. The event, organized by the United States, brought together delegations from over 50 countries. Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba represented Kinshasa, speaking on behalf of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. Minister Watum highlighted the shift… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

US-DRC Joint Steering Committee Kicks Off Strategic Partnership Implementation

February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 Constance

US and DRC Launch Joint Steering Committee to Drive Strategic Projects and Infrastructure The United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have officially launched the operational phase of their Strategic Partnership with the first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee. The meeting marks the start of coordinated actions to strengthen investment, promote sustainable development, and support stability across the DRC. In a joint statement on February 6, 2026, both governments emphasized their commitment to creating a framework for long-term economic growth, regional connectivity, and shared prosperity. A key… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Partnership

DRC-US Strategic Mining Partnership Enters Early Operational Phase

February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 Constance

DRC-US Mining Partnership Accelerates Strategic Metals Projects The strategic mining partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States, signed in December 2025, has officially entered an early operational phase. Congolese Minister of Mines, Louis Watum Kabamba, confirmed the accelerated timeline and outlined the next steps for the collaboration. Key elements validated during the initial phase include a list of priority mining projects, a portfolio of identified mining assets, and the DRC’s technical assistance needs. These documents will soon be shared with American private partners, paving the… Read More Here

International Corporate News

Glencore Suspends Major Horne Smelter Investments Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 Constance

Glencore Halts $1-Billion Horne Smelter Upgrade Over Quebec Regulatory Dispute Glencore Canada has suspended major investments at its Horne smelter in Rouyn-Noranda after failing to reach an agreement with the Quebec government by its self-imposed January 31 deadline regarding long-term operating conditions. The company announced it is “forced to immediately suspend all investments related to emissions reduction and facility upgrades” and to implement a demobilisation plan at the smelter. Investments at its CCR refinery in Montréal Est will also be scaled back over the medium term. Negotiations with provincial authorities,… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

Zambia, Angola and DRC Agree on Joint Actions to Fast-Track Lobito Corridor

February 8, 2026February 9, 2026 Constance

Zambia, Angola and DRC Move to Accelerate Lobito Corridor as Regional Trade and Jobs Engine Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed on a set of coordinated actions to expedite the development of the Lobito Corridor, a strategic transport and economic route designed to reduce trade costs, boost regional commerce and create jobs across southern and central Africa. The agreement was reached at a high-level coordination meeting hosted by the Angolan government in partnership with the World Bank. The meeting brought together ministers responsible for… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

France and DRC Strengthen Cooperation to Prepare Inga III Hydropower Project

February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 Constance

France Backs DRC Capacity Building Ahead of Inga III Hydroelectric Mega Project The French Development Agency (AFD) and the Agency for the Development and Promotion of the Grand Inga Project (ADPI) signed a memorandum of understanding in Kinshasa on February 2, 2026, marking a new step in preparations for the Inga III hydroelectric project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to host one of Africa’s largest planned energy projects. The partnership is structured around four core priorities: vocational training and higher… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News Mergers & Acquisitions

U.S. Expands Strategic Footprint in Africa’s Critical Minerals Through Glencore Deal

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Constance

U.S.-Backed Orion Consortium Acquires 40% Stake in Glencore’s DRC Copper and Cobalt Assets The United States is strengthening its presence in Africa’s critical minerals sector after Glencore PLC agreed to sell a 40% stake in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) copper and cobalt operations to the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Minerals Consortium (Orion CMC). The transaction, announced on Tuesday, values the assets at approximately $9 billion, including debt, and covers Glencore’s Mutanda Mining (MUMI) and Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) operations. These projects rank among the largest Western-owned producers of cobalt… Read More Here

International

Madagascar Reopens Mining Sector After 16-Year Permit Freeze

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Constance

Madagascar Lifts 16-Year Mining Permit Moratorium, Reopening Critical Minerals Sector but Keeps Gold Restrictions Madagascar has lifted a 16-year moratorium on issuing new mining permits for most minerals, reopening a sector that is central to Africa’s critical minerals race and the island nation’s evolving geopolitical and economic strategy. The decision was announced late Thursday by the Council of Ministers, chaired by the President of the Republic, ending a suspension that had been in place since 2010. The moratorium was originally imposed to address governance weaknesses, reduce corruption risks, resolve overlapping… Read More Here

Corporate News Battery Metals

Ivanhoe Mines Joins White House Launch of $12 Billion U.S. Critical Minerals Stockpile

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Constance

Ivanhoe Mines Participates in White House Launch of Project Vault and Advances U.S. Critical Minerals Supply Discussions Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) announced that its Founder and Executive Co-Chairman, Robert Friedland, joined President of the United States Donald J. Trump at the White House for the official launch of Project Vault, a $12 billion domestic critical minerals stockpile initiative aimed at strengthening U.S. supply chain security. Ivanhoe Mines is currently in advanced discussions with Gécamines, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) state-owned mining company, and global metals… Read More Here

Corporate News International Mining Personality

Ivanhoe Atlantic CEO Bronwyn Barnes Resigns Amid Rail, Regulatory, and Geopolitical Pressures

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 Constance

Ivanhoe Atlantic CEO Steps Down as Iron Ore Projects Face Rail Access and Guinea Regulatory Challenges Bronwyn Barnes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ivanhoe Atlantic, has resigned after four years leading the Liberian- and Guinean-focused iron ore developer. The company is majority-owned by U.S.-Canadian billionaire Robert Friedland. Her departure comes at a time when Ivanhoe Atlantic is navigating a complex mix of infrastructure constraints, regulatory hurdles, and heightened geopolitical scrutiny. Ivanhoe Atlantic’s export strategy is heavily dependent on access to Liberia’s Yekepa–Buchanan rail corridor, which connects the Mount Nimba… Read More Here