Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Prime Minister and Asia Minerals Limited Discuss Manganese Investment in DRC 1

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

Battery Metals Cobalt Mining in DRC

Cobalt Prices Hit Eight-Year Low Amid Oversupply from DRC and Indonesia

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

The price of cobalt has reached its lowest level since January 2016, according to a daily assessment by Fastmarkets, a UK-based agency specializing in metal prices. On September 24, 2024, cobalt prices on the London Metal Exchange had dropped by 54% since early September 2022, standing at $22,382 per tonne. This significant price decline is attributed to an oversupply, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Indonesia, the world’s top two producers of cobalt. According to the Cobalt Institute, global demand for cobalt was projected to reach 197,000… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

AVZ Minerals Asserts Legal Rights Amid Manono Lithium Permit Dispute

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

AVZ Minerals Limited (AVZ) has raised concerns over the purported transformation of Research Permit PR15775 into an Exploitation Permit by Manono Lithium SAS, a joint venture between Jinxiang Lithium Limited (a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group) and Congolaise D’Exploitation Miniere SA (Cominière). AVZ asserts that PR15775 overlaps the northern portion of PR13359, a permit the company claims legal rights to through its majority stake in Dathcom Mining SA. AVZ refers to provisional orders from the International Centre for Settlement Disputes (ICSID) arbitration proceedings (ICSID Case No. ARB/23/20). These orders, disclosed… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Copper

Rio Tinto chairman warns mining deals won’t solve supply crisis

September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 Constance

The world needs more mines to cope with rising demand for key energy-transition metals like copper, as mergers and acquisitions will not plug a looming supply gap, Rio Tinto group chairman Dominic Barton said. “As an industry, we’re not going to inorganic our way out of this challenge,” Barton said in a Bloomberg TV interview, referring to growth through deals. “It’s huge, and it’s in at least five different commodity areas.” Global mining M&A has ramped up over recent months, as healthy cash flows and the outlook for key green… Read More Here

Lithium Battery Metals Cobalt Mining in Zambia

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

September 15, 2024September 15, 2024 Constance

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