Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

WTO Chief Advocates Local Processing of Mining Products to Boost Africa’s Economic Value 1

On Tuesday, September 12, 2024, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged Africa to process its strategic mining products locally instead of exporting them raw. In a media briefing, she emphasized the need for an integrated approach to develop full value chains on the continent, particularly in resource-rich countries like the DRC. “Why continue to export raw materials?” Okonjo-Iweala questioned. “We should process these critical minerals locally, in partnership with neighboring countries such as Zambia, to create jobs and increase value addition in the region.” She highlighted Africa’s potential… Read More Here

Cobalt Battery Metals Mining in DRC

CMOC Group Overtakes Glencore as Top Cobalt Producer

August 4, 2024August 4, 2024 Constance

China’s CMOC Group Ltd. has solidified its position as the world’s leading cobalt producer, generating more than three times the output of its well-known rival, Glencore Plc. This significant surge in production has further depressed cobalt prices. Last year, CMOC surpassed Glencore to become the top producer. Recent first-half output figures reveal a widening gap between the two companies. While Glencore’s production fell 27% to 15,900 tons, CMOC’s output more than doubled to 54,024 tons, nearing its full-year production guidance. Cobalt prices have dropped 70% from their peak around two… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Nickel Press Release

First Quantum Declares Commercial Production at Enterprise Nickel Project

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or the “Company”) (TSX: FM) declared commercial production as of June 1, 2024 at the Enterprise nickel mine, located 12km away from the company’s Sentinel copper mine in the North Western Province of Zambia. First Quantum built, commissioned and delivered commercial operation in just over two years – another successfully executed project that demonstrates the company’s approach to delivering sustainable growth. Two years ago, First Quantum approved the Enterprise project – alongside the S3 Expansion project at Kansanshi – following a commitment made by… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Copper

Saudi Arabia to visit Brazil and Chile as seeks to diversify mining

July 21, 2024July 21, 2024 Constance

Saudi Arabia’s mining minister will visit Brazil and Chile over the coming two weeks, the ministry said on Sunday, as the world’s leading oil exporter seeks to expand its international presence in mining. In Brazil, talks will cover mining, food processing, and aviation, while in Chile the focus is on lithium, needed for electric vehicle batteries. “This aligns with the Kingdom’s direction towards expanding the production of EVs,” a Saudi government statement said. Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayaf will land in Brazil on Monday and leave… Read More Here

Battery Metals

Report: Africa can Boost Critical Minerals Supply Chains Through Strategic Investments and Technology

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 Constance

African countries have the potential to enhance their position in the global critical minerals supply chain by leveraging technology for exploration, fostering attractive investment environments, and diversifying their international partnerships. This is the key finding of a report published on July 1, 2024, by the American think tank Atlantic Council. Titled “From Greenfield Projects to Green Supply Chains: Critical Minerals in Africa as an Investment Challenge,” the report highlights Africa’s central role in the global energy transition due to its vast mineral resources crucial for a low-carbon economy. The continent… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals

PMRC Urges Chinese Investment in Zambia’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 Constance

The Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has urged Chinese investors to establish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants in Zambia, highlighting the country’s abundant critical minerals essential for the industry. Speaking at the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia (ACCZ) Economic and Trade Symposium held last week, PMRC’s acting head of monitoring and evaluation, Esther Nyemba, noted that China accounts for 58 percent of global EV production, making Zambia an attractive location for investment. “Cabinet approval of open access and net metering regulations enables industries and households to supply electricity… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Exploration Lithium New Mining Projects

Maamba Collieries Granted Lithium & Tantalum Exploration Licenses in Southern Zambia

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 Constance

08th July 2024, Lusaka, Zambia: ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) has announced that its investee company, Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL), in which it has a shareholding of 35%, has been issued two Large Scale Exploration Licenses for Lithium and other minerals (amethyst, aquamarine, tantalum and tin) in the Southern Province of Zambia. MCL intends to commence exploration as soon as possible to ascertain the presence of these minerals in these licence areas. The licenses are valid for a period of four years during which period MCL plans to carry out… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Cobalt Market in DRC Faces Temporary Slowdown but Long-Term Prospects Remain Strong

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

Cobalt, a crucial mineral for the energy transition, experienced a temporary slowdown in 2023, according to a new report from the Cobalt Institute. However, the long-term outlook remains promising due to rising demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. The report highlights that battery-related applications accounted for 73% of cobalt demand, with electric vehicles alone driving 96% of the growth in 2023. Despite market disruptions and fluctuations, the industry has shown remarkable adaptability and endurance, says Dinah McLeod, Managing Director of the Cobalt Institute. In 2023, global cobalt supply increased… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Chemaf SA Sells Congolese Assets to Norinco Amid Debt Settlement with Trafigura

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Constance

Chemaf SA, a cobalt miner, has agreed to sell its assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Chinese miner Norin Mining to settle debts largely funded by its long-time partner, commodities trader Trafigura, the company announced on Thursday. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The new owner, a unit of the Chinese state-backed China North Industries Corp (Norinco), possesses the resources and technical expertise needed to complete the expansion of two cobalt and copper projects in Congo, Chemaf stated. Chinese miners, most of which are state-backed,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Economy

ZAMZINC Achieves $10 Million Investment Milestone in Lusaka Manganese Plant

June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 Constance

ZAMZINC Industry Company Limited, registered with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in 2021, has already realized over $10 million of its committed $50 million investment in a manganese processing plant in Lusaka. The plant, located in the Lusaka Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ), currently produces 200 tonnes of manganese daily, with plans to increase production to 300 tonnes per day. During a visit by a ZDA team, ZAMZINC General Manager Mavis Chintu reported that production is progressing smoothly. The plant operates 24 hours a day in three shifts and employs 250… Read More Here