Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Exploration Lithium

KoBold Metals Leads the Charge in Mineral Exploration for Energy Transition

March 13, 2024March 13, 2024 Constance

KoBold Metals, a pioneering mining startup with backing from industry giants like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is optimistic about its prospects in uncovering crucial metals vital for the energy transition. The company’s enthusiasm surged following its recent breakthrough discovery of a substantial copper deposit in Zambia. According to Josh Goldman, KoBold Metals’ president, this find marks a significant milestone, especially amid the mining industry’s struggle to meet the growing demand for metals essential to the energy transition. Utilizing artificial intelligence to create a “treasure map,” KoBold Metals focuses on… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Nickel

Market Forecast: Cobalt, Nickel, and Lithium Prices to Decline by December 2024

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 Constance

Goldman Sachs Predicts Drop in Key Minerals for Energy Transition Goldman Sachs, renowned for its market analysis, foresees a downturn in cobalt, nickel, and lithium prices by December 2024, essential minerals for the energy transition. Analysts attributed this projected decline to decreasing demand from the electric vehicle industry in Western nations. According to Goldman’s forecast estimates, cobalt prices are expected to decrease by 12%, nickel by 15%, and lithium by 25% over the next twelve months. The bank’s analysts emphasized that despite supply constraints in late 2023 due to margin… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Federal Court Clears Tech Giants of DRC Cobalt Child Labor Accusations

March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 Constance

A federal appeals court has dismissed a case accusing major technology companies, including Alphabet, Apple, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, and Tesla, of complicity in child labor practices within cobalt mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Sixteen plaintiffs, representing children allegedly affected by cobalt mining, brought the case to court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the technology companies, stating that their purchasing of cobalt did not constitute direct involvement in the use of child labor, as outlined in federal… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Nickel

Enterprise Mine in Zambia Targets 20,000 Tonnes of Nickel Production

March 3, 2024March 3, 2024 Constance

Enterprise Mine, a nickel-producing operation managed by Trident Limited in Kalumbila District, Zambia’s North Western Province, is targeting a production of approximately 20,000 tonnes of nickel this year. According to Junior Keyser, Outgoing General Manager of Trident Limited, the mine is fully operational and currently employs around 750 contractors and 250 direct employees. Keyser notes that the enterprise is currently generating about 1,000 tonnes of final product nickel per month as production continues to increase at its plant. He emphasizes the mine’s intention to capitalize on the high demand for… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Copper Nickel

Glencore banks on Anuri mine to extend life of Raglan nickel-copper project

March 3, 2024March 3, 2024 Constance

Glencore (LSE: GLEN) has inaugurated the Anuri mine, which will lengthen the Raglan nickel-copper project’s life for at least 20 years. The company says this is undertaking highlights its ongoing commitment to the local communities in which it operates. The Raglan mine, located in northern Quebec, began operations in 1997. It was the first mining project to sign an impact and benefits agreement with the local Indigenous bands. The mine’s name Anuri, which means “wind” in Inuktitut, was chosen by a committee of Raglan employees. The mine is part of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Copper

Buenassa Secures $3.5M Grant for Sustainable Metal Refinery in DRC

February 26, 2024February 26, 2024 Constance

Buenassa, a pioneering company in the metal processing and trading sector, has reached a significant milestone with the award of a $3.5 million grant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Government through the Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie (FPI). This grant marks the initial tranche of funding for Buenassa’s ambitious Project Preparation Facility, paving the way for an innovative copper and cobalt refinery project in the province of Lualaba. The venture represents not only a leap forward in industrial development but also a commitment to sustainable practices and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

Rwanda and Rio Tinto Strike Lithium Deal Despite DRC’s Reserves

February 25, 2024February 25, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks seventh among the 23 countries worldwide with proven lithium reserves, yet neighboring Rwanda, devoid of such reserves, has struck a deal with mining giant Rio Tinto for lithium exploration and exploitation. This move underscores a troubling trend of exploitation of Congo’s natural resources, exacerbated by the recent agreement between the European Union (EU) and Rwanda to develop value chains for critical raw materials, including those historically pillaged by armed groups linked to Rwanda. The urgency for Congo to safeguard its territory and resources… Read More Here