Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia’s EV Battery Plant Nears Market Rollout Amid Manufacturing Sector Growth 1

Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga has announced that the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery plant in Chibombo, operated by the Zambia Jiangxi Multi-Facility Economic Zone, is conducting battery trials. The batteries are expected to enter the market by January 2025. Speaking at the 38th Annual General Meeting of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) in Lusaka, Mulenga emphasized the pivotal role of the manufacturing sector in achieving Zambia’s Vision 2030 to become a prosperous middle-income nation. During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of… Read More Here

Cobalt Demand Gives DRC Strategic Edge in Europe’s Green Energy Race

November 27, 2024November 27, 2024 Constance0 comment

The surging demand for materials critical to electromobility, particularly cobalt, has thrust the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the spotlight, offering it newfound leverage as Europe scrambles to secure resources for its energy transition goals. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a member of the European Parliament, emphasizes the need for a united EU approach to ensure a sustainable and ethical supply of raw materials. “The extraction processes must align with our vision of avoiding exploitation and eradicating child labor under horrendous conditions,” Vedrenne, from the pro-European Renew Europe group, told DW. Cobalt, a… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Tackling Traceability Challenges in the Congolese Cobalt Supply Chain

November 16, 2024November 16, 2024 Constance

The Congolese mining sector has long grappled with mineral traceability issues, particularly within its cobalt supply chain. In April 2024, the NGO Ressource Matters published a study titled “Study the Risks in Your Cobalt Supply Chain”. This research mapped over 280 entities spanning the cobalt supply chain—from miners to end consumers—highlighting the social and environmental risks associated with cobalt extraction. The study aimed to assist companies in aligning with international standards for responsible sourcing. The Complexities of Traceability Ressource Matters identifies the foremost challenge for companies using cobalt: tracing its… Read More Here

International Battery Metals

Sibanye-Stillwater Gains from U.S. Regulatory Changes on Critical Minerals

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 Constance

Sibanye-Stillwater has received a significant boost from the United States following the publication of final regulations that provide incentives for mining critical minerals, including palladium and platinum. These incentives are part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Section 45X, which now allows for a 10% ‘Advance Manufacturing Production’ credit. The previous version of the Act restricted this incentive to refiners, excluding miners, but has since been amended. “We welcome the amendments to the Section 45X regulations made by the U.S. Treasury and applaud its foresight in understanding our industry and… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

African Nations Called to Invest in Beneficiation of Critical Minerals for Industrial Growth

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 Constance

Africa has the potential to be a key player in the global energy transition due to its rich reserves of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. However, maximizing this potential requires a robust strategy for building manufacturing capacity, scaling up production, and increasing exports. This perspective was shared during a panel discussion at the recent Manufacturing Indaba, highlighting how resource extraction and industrialisation offer African nations opportunities to advance along the value chain, create high-skilled jobs, and drive technological innovation. “We need to explore ways to deepen those value chains,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals

Prime Minister and Asia Minerals Limited Discuss Manganese Investment in DRC

October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 Constance

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka met with a delegation from Asia Minerals Limited (AML Group), a global mining company, led by President Eric Chung. The company, specializing in manganese mining—particularly in South Africa—expressed strong interest in exploring investment opportunities within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining sector. Following the meeting, Eric Chung praised the productive discussions and highlighted the Congolese government’s openness and dedication to mining industry standards. He noted the positive state of relations between Japan and the DRC, which date back to the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals

Musamu Resources Calls for Manganese Processing Plant and Increased Local Participation in Zambia

October 11, 2024October 11, 2024 Constance

Musamu Resources Limited Executive Chairperson, Dr. Sixtus Mulenga, has urged ZCCM-IH to consider establishing a manganese processing plant in Zambia. Speaking at the Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka today, Dr. Mulenga emphasized the importance of greater involvement of Zambians in the manganese mining sector. He highlighted that the development of a national steel industry could accelerate Zambia’s industrialization, with the manganese sector playing a key role. Dr. Mulenga stressed that the sector’s success relies on the inclusion of artisanal, small-scale, and large-scale miners, alongside the establishment of processing plants.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Copper Mergers & Acquisitions

Patriot Lithium Expands into Zambia with 80% Stake in Katwaro Copper Project

October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 Constance

Battery metals explorer, Patriot Lithium, has signed a binding option agreement to acquire an 80% stake in the Katwaro Copper Project, Zambia, from Array Metals and Natural Resources. This strategic move aims to diversify the company’s asset portfolio and expand its jurisdictional presence. The Katwaro Project, located near Mumbwa, spans 400 hectares and includes a historical open-pit mine with copper-bearing meta-sediments. Under the terms of the agreement, Patriot Lithium will pay Array Metals $25,000 (A$37,172) for an exclusive 12-month option period. If Patriot exercises the option, a special purpose vehicle… Read More Here

Copper Battery Metals International

Copper Demand Remains Strong Despite EV Sales Slowdown

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 Constance

The demand for metals like copper, critical for electric vehicles (EVs), remains strong despite concerns over slowing EV sales, according to Tom Mackay, head of refined metals at commodity trader IXM. However, forecasting demand remains challenging as the market is still evolving. EV sales have slowed due to several factors, including inadequate charging infrastructure and concerns over resale values. “The electric vehicle industry is still in its early stages, with many variables such as penetration rates and battery chemistries, making accurate demand forecasting difficult,” Mackay explained. Despite the slowdown, EV… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Lithium New Mining Projects

First Africa Metals Confirms High-Grade Lithium at Misika Project in Zambia

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 Constance

UK-based mining exploration company First Africa Metals has reported that rock chip sampling has confirmed exceptionally high-grade lithium-bearing pegmatites at its Misika project in Zambia’s Southern Province. Independent laboratory analysis of the rock chip samples, along with X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, reveals that outcropping pegmatites from existing shallow artisanal open pits contain spodumene, montebrasite, pollucite, and lepidolite. The highest-grade lithium-bearing samples (>7% lithium oxide) consist primarily of montebrasite, a lithium ore noted for its low impurity levels. The Misika pegmatite zone is currently identified as approximately 1 km wide with… Read More Here