Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zijin to Launch DRC’s First Lithium Production at Manono in June

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Constance

China’s Zijin Mining to Begin Lithium Production at Congo’s Manono Deposit in June Zijin Mining will begin the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first lithium production in June at the disputed Manono deposit, with exports set to commence immediately thereafter, according to the company and state miner Cominiere. The development marks a significant step in China’s strategy to secure critical mineral supplies in Africa. Zijin had previously targeted first-quarter 2026 for initial output but confirmed that the timeline has been revised to June to reflect updated project planning. Disputed Asset The… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Transport and Logistics

Lobito Atlantic Railway Launches First Ethical Copper and Cobalt Shipment from DRC to Global Markets

February 15, 2026February 16, 2026 Constance

Lobito Atlantic Railway Facilitates First Copper and Cobalt Shipment from DRC to Global Markets In a landmark milestone for the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Trafigura announced the first delivery of copper and cobalt along the corridor linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Angola’s deep-water port of Lobito. EGC, a state-owned entity responsible for purchasing cobalt from artisanal producers in the DRC, has partnered with Trafigura, which markets EGC-supplied cobalt globally. EGC CEO Eric Kalala highlighted that using the LAR demonstrates that ethical,… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe to Launch Africa’s First Lithium Sulphate Plant at Bikita Mine

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe to Commission Africa’s First Lithium Sulphate Plant, Strengthening Its Role in the Global EV Battery Supply Chain Zimbabwe is preparing to inaugurate Africa’s first lithium sulphate processing plant, marking a significant milestone in the country’s mineral beneficiation strategy. The facility is being developed by Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), the country’s largest lithium producer, with financial backing from Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. The plant, located at Huayou’s Bikita Mine in southeastern Zimbabwe, has attracted approximately US$500 million in investment and has now reached the equipment commissioning phase a key step… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals

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

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

International Battery Metals Transport and Logistics

Ghana Steps Up Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Push to Drive Industrialisation

January 26, 2026January 26, 2026 Constance

Ghana Advances EV Manufacturing Plans with Chinese Automakers to Boost Jobs and Clean Transport Ghana is accelerating its industrialisation agenda with a renewed focus on electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, as the government seeks to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in clean transport. The initiative builds on earlier engagements with Chinese automakers and has now entered a more advanced implementation phase. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on January 21, 2026, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said the government had signed a memorandum… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Exploration Lithium New Mining Projects Nickel

Zambia’s Aerial Mineral Survey Hits 52.8% Completion, Boosting Investment Potential

January 26, 2026January 26, 2026 Constance

Zambia Mineral Mapping Survey 52.8% Complete, Unlocking Copper, Cobalt, Lithium, and Nickel Investment Opportunities Zambia’s nationwide aerial mineral mapping survey has reached 52.8% completion, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to unlock its mineral potential and attract new investment. According to a statement from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga M. Kabeta highlighted that the high-resolution airborne geophysical survey is modernizing Zambia’s geological database and opening new opportunities for mineral exploration, especially in under-explored regions. Dr. Kabeta emphasized that the survey is a… Read More Here

Lithium Battery Metals Corporate News Mining in DRC

AVZ Minerals Secures $20 Million Funding Amid Legal Dispute over Manono Lithium Project in DRC

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026 Constance

AVZ Minerals Receives $20 Million from Chinese Partner as Manono Lithium Ownership Dispute Continues On January 15, 2026, Australian mining company AVZ Minerals announced it had received the full $20 million funding facility from its Chinese partner, Suzhou CATH Energy Technologies. The cash injection comes as the Manono lithium project in Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), remains mired in a legal dispute between AVZ and the Congolese government, affecting country risk and access to financing. While the announcement may appear purely mining-related, it carries significant financial implications. For projects… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals

DRC Shares Strategic Mineral Assets with US to Attract Major Investment

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 Constance

DRC Shares State-Owned Mineral Assets with US to Boost Investment in Cobalt, Copper, Lithium The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has submitted a shortlist of state-owned mining assets to the United States, including manganese, copper-cobalt, gold, and lithium projects, in a move aimed at attracting American investment. This initiative represents the most concrete step to date by the US in its strategy to secure access to critical Congolese minerals, a key component of global supply chains for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced technologies. The list follows a pact between… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt

Zambia Benefits from Cobalt Price Surge Amid Supply-Driven Market Shock

January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 Constance

Cobalt Prices Soar 130% in 2025: Economic Implications and Opportunities for Zambia Cobalt prices have surged by approximately 130% since early 2025, reaching over US$56,200 per tonne. This spike is primarily a supply-driven shock rather than a structural shift in the global cobalt market. The rally has been largely triggered by policy and regulatory restrictions in major producing countries, which have tightened supply in an already highly concentrated market. When supply is constrained administratively, prices often react sharply and can overshoot in the short term. From a fundamentals perspective, global… Read More Here