Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Halts ERG Subcontractors at Vital Cobalt Mines Amid Ownership Concerns

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suspended nine subcontracting companies operating at mines managed by Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), adding to the challenges faced by the cobalt and copper producer in the country. The government announced the ban on March 14, citing non-compliance with Congolese ownership requirements. Despite a meeting with ERG representatives last week, the regulator confirmed on Tuesday that the sanctions remain in place. Miguel Kashal Katemb, director general of the Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector, emphasized the need for ERG to engage subcontractors… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Press Release

Electra and Eurasian Resources Group Sign Cobalt Supply Agreement

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 Constance

Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra”, “Company”) and Eurasian Resources Group (“ERG”, “The Group”), a leading diversified natural resources group headquartered in Luxembourg, announced today that they have signed a binding letter of intent for the long-term supply of ERG’s cobalt hydroxide to North America’s first battery grade cobalt sulfate refinery. This transaction supports efforts to onshore the battery supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign refiners. .Starting from 2026, under the three-year supply agreement, ERG will deliver 3,000 tonnes per annum of IRA-compliant cobalt to Electra’s… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals

Minister Paluku Proposes DRC’s Battery Industry Development Program

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Constance

Minister of Industry, Julien Paluku, presented three information notes to the Council on March 15, focusing on Congo’s position in the global battery, renewable energy, and electric car value chain. The study conducted by Cabinet BICOTIM highlights socio-economic conditions favoring Congo’s battery industry growth. The study proposes leveraging Kamina’s strategic advantages, including its geographical location, existing infrastructure, proximity to metal supply sources for electric batteries, access to hydroelectric power stations, and its position along National Road number 1. This initiative aims to establish a “National Program for the Development of… Read More Here

Copper Battery Metals Nickel

Ivanhoe Electric Completes Earn-In for 60% Stake in Samapleu-Grata Nickel-Copper Project in Ivory Coast

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Constance

Ivanhoe Electric Announces Completion of Earn-In to Acquire a 60% Interest in the Samapleu-Grata Nickel-Copper Project in the Ivory Coast Joint Venture Partner Sama Resources Announced a New Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Project Delivering a Pre-tax NPV8 of US$463M and a Pre-tax IRR of 28.2%, with an Estimated Initial Capital Cost of US$338M The Project has the Potential for a 16-Year Mine Life Producing a Conventional 26% Copper Concentrate and a 13% Nickel Concentrate, with Associated Platinum, Palladium and Cobalt By-Products PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (“Ivanhoe Electric”) (NYSE… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium Mining Personality

Piedmont Lithium Appoints Dawne Hickton to Board of Directors

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

Piedmont Lithium, a North America-focused company listed on the ASX, announced the appointment of Dawne Hickton to its board of directors. Hickton, known for her leadership roles in aerospace, energy, and metals industries, brings extensive manufacturing expertise to further diversify the board’s executive guidance. President and CEO Keith Phillips praised Hickton’s transformative leadership and cross-industry experience, highlighting her track record in steering organizations through periods of growth. Piedmont aims to emerge as a major lithium hydroxide producer in North America by processing spodumene concentrate from its assets. These include the… Read More Here

International Battery Metals

EU grants final approval to Critical Raw Minerals Act

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 Constance

The EU Council has given final approval to its Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) as it looks to diversify away from Chinese supply chain dominance. Final approval is the last stage in the process to formally implement the act. The final text, officially adopted on Monday, identifies two lists of materials 34 critical and 17 strategic – that are crucial for the green and digital transitions, as well as the defence and space industries, the Council said in a press statement. The act, first proposed at the end of 2022… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Western Interest Grows in Congolese Minerals as China Strengthens Ties

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 Constance

In recent years, Western nations, particularly the European Union and the United States, have shown a heightened interest in the abundant reserves of cobalt and lithium present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recognizing the DRC’s significance in the global energy transition, these Western powers have intensified efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical mineral supplies, leading to a strategic repositioning in the region. This renewed focus prompted the DRC to seek a renegotiation of its 2008 agreement with the Chinese Enterprise Group, aiming for more favorable terms.… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Nickel

Goldman Sachs Forecasts Declines in Key Energy Transition Minerals (Study)

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

Goldman Sachs, an American investment bank, forecasts significant declines in the prices of cobalt, nickel, and lithium over the next twelve months, driven by weakening demand from the electric vehicle industry in Western countries and oversupply. Despite already experiencing substantial drops—60% for nickel, 80% for lithium, and 65% for cobalt—from their peak levels, analysts at the Wall Street bank caution against premature optimism regarding the end of this downward trend. Over the coming year, Goldman analysts anticipate price decreases of 12% for cobalt, 15% for nickel, and 25% for lithium… Read More Here

Cobalt Battery Metals Copper Lithium

US Turns to Africa to Diversify Battery Metal Supply Chains

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 Constance

The United States is seeking to Africa to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled battery metals and diminish Russia’s influence on mineral markets, US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo stated on Thursday. In light of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, Western nations are striving to decrease dependency on Chinese supply chains and disentangle their economies from Russia. As the US advances its energy transition agenda, it aims to catch up with China’s decade-long efforts to secure access to minerals crucial for electric vehicle batteries and solar panels. “We don’t want to overly… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Copper

DRC Grants $3.5M to Buenassa for Copper-Cobalt Plant

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 Constance

Buenassa SARL has been granted $3.5 million by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Industry Promotion Fund to facilitate the establishment of a copper and cobalt refinery in Lualaba province. The company announced this development in a recent press release. The funding, allocated by the Industry Minister Julien Paluku, is intended to kickstart the project aimed at bridging the gap between mining and the production of battery precursors. The initial focus will be on conducting studies, with production slated to commence in 2027. Buenassa SARL has set ambitious targets of producing… Read More Here