Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Battery Council Charts Ambitious Path to Battery Value Chain Integration 1

The Congolese Battery Council (CCB) unveiled its year-long vision at Kinshasa’s Hilton Hotel on December 11, 2023, following its formation in December 2022. This significant event gathered industry experts, government officials, and investors to outline the council’s mission. Established with a purpose to attract investments, foster innovation, and develop technology for processing strategic minerals, the CCB is dedicated to supporting the electric battery industry. By ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials to battery manufacturers, the council aims to align with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s vision for local integration of battery… Read More Here

Billionaires’ Backed KoBold Metals on Global Hunt for Lithium

December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Constance

KoBold Metals, with endorsements from figures like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, ventures across four continents in pursuit of lithium reserves. The California-based startup, employing AI-driven exploration methods, expands its search for this vital metal—integral to electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology. CEO Kurt House revealed KoBold’s endeavor to uncover lithium in South Korea, Canada (Quebec), the United States, Australia, and Africa. The company, previously focused on nickel and copper, now adds lithium to its mining interests following successful explorations in Canada and Zambia. “By harnessing the insights from our lithium… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

China increases cobalt production in DRC

December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 Constance

Chinese mining firms have significantly boosted cobalt production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in a bid to expand their market share, intensifying the strain on a commodity facing a sharp price decline. Cobalt, a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is often combined with nickel to enhance the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. Yet, to address environmental and geopolitical concerns, some EV manufacturers like Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) have shifted from Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, minimizing their reliance on cobalt.… Read More Here

Lithium Battery Metals Mining in DRC

DRC: lithium prices fall by almost 90%, what is the future of the Manono lithium project?

December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 Constance

The drop in lithium carbonate futures below US$10,000 per tonne has raised concerns in the market, particularly after the metal reached an impressive US$70,000 per tonne at a point in 2022. This decrease in value has significantly impacted the once-prominent Manono lithium project, rendering it unviable for further development. The Australian company AVZ, responsible for the project, has faced the fallout, bearing the weight of the irreparable losses incurred by the State of the DRC and the public company Cominière. To illustrate the severity of the situation, a comparison is… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe Sets Deadline for Local Lithium Production Plans

December 4, 2023December 4, 2023 Constance

Zimbabwe has issued a directive for lithium miners to submit plans for the in-country production of battery-grade lithium by March 2024, aiming to tap into the increasing demand for this vital mineral in the clean energy sector, announced Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube last week. In a bid to retain control over lithium resources, the country, Africa’s leading lithium producer, imposed a ban on lithium ore exports last year and introduced a 5% export tax on concentrates. Lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, has emerged as Zimbabwe’s… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Mining in Zambia

DRC and Zambia urged to formulate robust policies for extraction and beneficiation of critical minerals

December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 Constance

Joint calls from activists in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia urge the governments of both nations to develop comprehensive policies regarding the extraction and enrichment of critical minerals, aligning them with industrial and economic transformation. In a combined statement, civil society organizations have issued recommendations to the authorities of Congo and Zambia, emphasizing the immediate need for a targeted skills policy. They stress the importance of training young Congolese and Zambians in vital skills and technology for the evolving industry. In the next five years, both countries… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Glencore’s Mutanda Mine Faces Cobalt Output Decline Due to Ore Depletion

November 30, 2023November 30, 2023 Constance

Glencore’s Mutanda mine in Congo is confronting a significant reduction in cobalt production, projected to be up to 15% less per year, according to sources familiar with the situation. The decline in cobalt output at Mutanda is attributed to diminishing surface oxide ore deposits. To tackle this challenge, Glencore is exploring the necessity of investing in the extraction and processing of sulphide ores located deeper underground, as indicated by the sources. The London-based mining company is currently engaged in a comprehensive feasibility study aimed at evaluating the required investment and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

Tantalex Lithium Resources CEO sheds light on the importance of lithium to the DRC

November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 Constance

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is renowned in the mining industry for its abundant resources, yet it grapples with a reputation for corruption and widespread poverty, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of wealth from resource extraction. This trend, observed in numerous industries and countries globally, seems notably pronounced in the DRC. Engaging with individuals operating within such environments, like Eric Allard, CEO of Tantalex Lithium Resources (CSE:TTX, OTC:TTLXF), offers a unique perspective on the ground reality in the DRC and sheds light on daily experiences. Allard, having… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

AVZ Minerals Secures ICC Injunction Against COMINIERE in Manono Lithium Project Dispute

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 Constance

The dispute between AVZ Minerals and COMINIERE regarding the Manono lithium project in the DRC is yet to reach a final resolution. The International Chamber of Commerce has issued a prohibition on Congolaise d’Exploitation Minière (Cominière), restraining any actions directly or indirectly linked to the exploration and exploitation of the Manono project claimed by AVZ Minerals. This decision marks a preliminary victory for the Australian mining company, announced on November 17. Previously, AVZ had urgently sought arbitration to halt any transactions related to the Manono project. Notably, Cominière had recently… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

AVZ Minerals Secures Strategic Funding Pact to Resolve Legal Battles

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 Constance

In a strategic move, AVZ Minerals, an Australian company, has inked a significant binding term sheet with Locke Capital, a global litigation funder. The deal, valued at $20 million, aims to address corporate, legal, and project expenses while resolving multifaceted litigation surrounding the Manono lithium and tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The funds will play a pivotal role in managing several arbitration cases at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, primarily revolving around the Manono lithium permits. Notably, AVZ has secured emergency relief orders… Read More Here