Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Rwanda Ready to Drop “Conflict Mineral” Accusations Against Apple

May 14, 2024May 14, 2024 Constance

Rwanda has strongly denied accusations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that Apple sources conflict minerals from a disputed area within the DRC. Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo labeled these allegations as “baseless” and suggested they are part of ongoing attempts by the DRC to shift media focus onto Rwanda by leveraging Apple’s global profile. Apple has responded by reaffirming its commitment to responsible sourcing, stating it has verified the origins of minerals in its supply chain and found no evidence of financing armed groups in the DRC as… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

CNPAV Urges Probe into Cominière’s Handling of Manono Lithium Deposit

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024 Constance

In a press release issued on Friday, May 10, the Congo Is Not for Sale (CNPAV) coalition demanded an official investigation into the management of the Kitotolo-Manono lithium deposit by Cominière, a state-owned mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The CNPAV alleges that Cominière received $70 million from Zijin Mining, a Chinese company headed by Jean David E’ngazi, who also sits on the board of directors of Cominière. The “donation,” as termed by CNPAV, was part of a joint venture agreement for the exploitation of the Kitotolo-Manono… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals

Jean-Marie Kanda Urges DRC to Prioritize Sovereignty for Harnessing Strategic Minerals

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024 Constance

European countries and others have set ambitious targets to transition to electric mobility by 2035, with electric batteries being a cornerstone of this endeavor, consisting of lithium and other vital minerals found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the DRC faces challenges in fully leveraging its strategic mineral wealth, as foreign mining companies currently hold significant control over these resources. At an energy conference held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, experts emphasized the need for the DRC to assert its sovereignty and swiftly adapt to capitalize on its… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals

Zambia to Kickstart Car Battery Manufacturing, Boosting Economic Growth

May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 Constance

Zambia is gearing up to launch car battery production by the end of July this year, with the arrival of essential manufacturing equipment. During a recent visit to the Jiangxi Multi Facility Economic Zone in Chibombo district, General Manager Xu Jianfeng outlined the upcoming two-month period dedicated to equipment testing and plant finalization before full-scale production commences. In the initial phase, the facility plans to produce 400,000 batteries, with production capacity set to double upon reaching full operational status. With nine investment agreements already secured, totaling over $100 million, the… Read More Here

Lithium Battery Metals International

Africa’s lithium supply to almost triple this year – Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 Constance

Lithium production from Africa is projected to almost triple in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Chinese companies hold a virtual monopoly on lithium extraction in Africa, with over 90% of the continent’s projected lithium supply for this decade stemming from projects partly owned by Chinese entities, as estimated by Benchmark. Most of the increased supply is expected to come from Zimbabwe. It is estimated that the country produced 3,400 tonnes in 2023, placing it among the seven largest producers globally. The country is home… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Mining in DRC

Sub-Saharan Africa’s Energy Transition Minerals Valued at $2 Trillion by 2050

April 23, 2024April 23, 2024 Constance

Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to play a significant role in the global energy transition, with the potential to generate nearly $2 trillion from the production of essential metals by 2050, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In a paper released on Friday, the IMF outlined that global revenue from mining key metals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel could soar to $16 trillion over the next 25 years, as projected by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to contribute around 12% of this total output.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt

Musonoïe Mining Company SAS Addresses Misinformation Regarding Cobalt Hydroxide Products

April 23, 2024April 23, 2024 Constance

In response to recent misinformation circulating in the media, Musonoïe Mining Company SAS has issued a clarifying statement regarding its cobalt hydroxide products. The company, headquartered in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, asserts that certain claims regarding radiation levels in its products are unfounded rumors. Reports suggesting the exceeding of radiation standards and sensationalized narratives, including the closure of mining areas and involvement of armed forces, have been addressed directly by the company. Contrary to these assertions, Musonoïe Mining Company affirms that it operates in strict adherence to national and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC Explores Export Quotas to Stabilize Cobalt Prices

April 13, 2024April 13, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s leading cobalt producer, is exploring options to boost the price of the battery metal, including the potential implementation of export quotas. This move comes as cobalt prices have plummeted by two-thirds since mid-2022 due to an oversupply situation exacerbated by excessive production from Congo, which accounts for about 75% of global cobalt supply. President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed concerns about the price slump and has tasked the government with investigating measures to ensure a fair price for cobalt. The government is now seeking… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Eurasian Resources Group Inks MoU to Supply Cobalt to Japanese market with Mechema and Marubeni

April 13, 2024April 13, 2024 Constance

.The agreement with Mechema and Marubeni will explore the potential supply of cobalt hydroxide (up to 3ktCo per annum), and the production and marketing of cobalt sulfate .The potential cooperation could increase cobalt supply alternatives for Japanese market, which is showing substantial growth in demand due to global surge in EV adoption .It also supports ERG’s ambition to supply its cobalt to all key regions that will produce main portion of battery materials, one of which will be Japanese suppy chain Eurasian Resources Group (“ERG” or “The Group”), a leading… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt

Electra Battery Partners with ERG for DRC’s Cobalt Supply

April 9, 2024April 9, 2024 Constance

In the race for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) rich mineral resources, valued at a staggering $24 trillion, Electra Battery Materials has taken a significant stride. Recently, the company announced a pivotal agreement with Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) for a steady supply of Congolese cobalt. Under this arrangement, ERG, based in the DRC, will deliver 3,000 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide annually from its Metalkol operation to Electra. This cobalt will be channeled to a refinery located near Toronto, starting in 2026. This strategic partnership aligns with the United States’… Read More Here