Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Critical Metals Transforms Into a Copper Producer in DRC

November 12, 2023November 12, 2023 Constance

Critical Metals, a copper project developer, marked its evolution from an explorer to a full-fledged copper producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the initiation of mining and processing operations at the Molulu project. The company anticipates positive operating cash flow in the fourth quarter. By the end of the financial year, Critical Metals employed 51 people in the DRC, 49 of whom were DRC citizens. During the mining build-up, the company streamlined its corporate structure and increased its indirect holding in the Molulu copper project from 40%… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Mining in Zambia

Bill Gates-Backed Mining Startup Wants to Expand Into the DRC

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 Constance

KoBold Metals, a mining startup with the support of Bill Gates, is advancing toward potential investments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while developing a copper project in Zambia. CEO Kurt House revealed that the company has submitted a bid for an undisclosed asset in the DRC, although the transaction did not materialize. House emphasized that the DRC offers a highly favorable environment for the materials essential to KoBold’s global green-energy transition initiatives. The DRC is the world’s leading producer of cobalt and one of the major sources of… Read More Here

Battery Metals Mining in DRC

DRC Sets Sights on Ambitious Electric Vehicle Industry: Minister Paluku Reveals 10-15 Year Plan for Battery Production

November 5, 2023November 6, 2023 Constance

Julien Paluku, the Minister of Industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stated that it may require a period of 10 to 15 years to manufacture batteries and electric vehicles. This statement was made in response to inquiries about establishing the electric vehicle battery value chain in the DRC. The goal of creating this value chain was a central focus for the DRC’s participation in the Global Gateway forum held in Brussels from October 25 to 26. The forum, organized by the European Union, saw Prime Minister Jean Michel… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

US breaths new life into the Lobito Corridor to challenge china’s Dominance for Critical minerals

November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 Constance

The United States is making a determined effort to catch up with China in a region that has become pivotal to the green transition: Africa’s “Copperbelt.” Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in minerals vital for battery and renewable energy production, have become the latest battleground for influence between Washington and Beijing. The Biden administration, in its pursuit of challenging China’s supremacy, has seized an opportunity to breathe new life into a century-old railway connecting crucial African mines to an Atlantic Ocean port, known as the Lobito corridor.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

AVZ Minerals Seeks Emergency Arbitration Over Manono Lithium Mine Dispute

October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 Constance

AVZ Minerals announced on today October 30th its intention to file an emergency arbitration application, with the aim of obtaining injunctive relief against Cominiere. This move seeks to prevent any transaction related to the disputed Manono lithium mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Last week, Zijin Mining disclosed that its joint venture, Manono Lithium SAS, in which its subsidiary Jinxiang Lithium holds a 61% stake, while DRC’s state-owned Cominiere possesses the remaining interest, was granted rights over the northeast tenement of the Manono mine. AVZ Minerals is pursuing… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Copper Mining in DRC

Standard Bank’s Strategic Investment Focus on the DRC and Zambia

October 30, 2023October 30, 2023 Constance

Standard Bank, a prominent South African financial institution, is setting its sights on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a significant investment destination due to the country’s ownership of critical minerals for the energy transition, according to reports by News24. Kenny Fihla, the CEO of Standard Bank’s corporate and investment banking (CIB) unit, emphasized that their interest goes beyond renewable energy projects. It extends to the sources of minerals essential for driving the global energy transition. Fihla noted, “It’s not just about renewable energy projects; it’s about where the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Events & Expos Lithium Nickel

DRC Prime Minister Calls for EU Aid Against Illicit Mineral Exploitation at Global Gateway 2023 Forum

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Constance

Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde has successfully concluded his visit to Brussels, Belgium, where he represented the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, at the Global Gateway Forum held on October 25 and 26, 2023. His mission was to engage European private investors and encourage their participation in the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on digital, energy, and ecological transitions. During the forum, the Prime Minister played a pivotal role in addressing significant development issues and formalizing agreements. He shared a summary… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Chemaf Resources in DRC Seeks Buyer Amid Cobalt Price Slump

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Constance

A mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supported by commodity trader Trafigura Group, has put itself up for sale due to the declining cobalt prices that have left the company struggling to complete its key projects. Chemaf Resources Ltd.’s expansion plans faced financial troubles, prompting the need for fresh investment. The company was aiming to construct one of the largest copper and cobalt mines in Congo and two new processing plants. Last year, it secured a $600 million loan from Trafigura. However, Bloomberg reported in August that Trafigura… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Angola Battery Metals Mining in Zambia Partnership Transport and Logistics

EU Signs Crucial Partnerships with DRC and Zambia for Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Constance

At the recent “Global Gateway” forum in Brussels, Jutta Urpilainen, the European Union’s Commissioner for international partnerships, signed significant memoranda of understanding with key African counterparts. On October 26, 2023, she joined hands with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Transport, Marc Ekila Likombo, for a partnership on critical and strategic raw materials value chains. Furthermore, a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains was established with Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane. This momentous event follows the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, in September 2023, where… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

Latest Developments in the Manono Lithium Evolution

October 26, 2023October 26, 2023 Constance

Contrary to AVZ Minerals’ claims in their announcement on October 9, 2023, it appears that there has been limited progress in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Congolese Government and the Australian company. It seems that the Congolese side is growing frustrated with AVZ Minerals’ CEO, Mr. Nigel Ferguson, and his board for their handling of the “Manono Lithium” project. AVZ Minerals has been at the helm of this project for several years, and one would expect them to have anticipated and resolved the conflicts that are currently hindering… Read More Here