Battery Metals - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia's Mineral Development Strategy Aims for Green Energy Opportunities 1

Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is charting a new course to capitalize on global shifts toward electric batteries and green energy. Spearheaded by Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, the ministry has crafted a visionary draft of a critical minerals strategy aimed at seizing emerging opportunities in the electric battery and sustainable energy sectors. Kabeta emphasized that the ministry is actively engaging stakeholders to refine and enhance the strategy, seeking their valuable input to shape a robust plan aligned with Zambia’s mineral potential. Central to this strategy is the government’s… Read More Here

International Battery Metals

Angola’s electric vehicle fleet grows 100% in 2024

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 Constance

The Angolan fleet of electric cars grows 100 percent, from two thousand cars this year to four thousand in 2024, according to projections by the executive president of CVE Angola, a company that, a week ago, on Saturday, 9, opened, in Luanda, the first charging point for electromotorized vehicles. Adilson Matoso, in a discussion with Jornal de Angola, shared insights from his market study aimed at launching charging points in Angola. According to his findings, after the influx of two thousand Chinese vehicles, an additional two thousand are expected from… Read More Here

Opinion Battery Metals International

How Can Africa Benefit from its Critical Minerals? (By NJ Ayuk)

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 arnbethnic

Africa holds more than half of the world’s reserves of cobalt, 46% of its manganese, and 21% of its graphite, all used in EV batteries, and about a quarter of its bauxite, which is required for solar photovoltaic technologies To meet their green agendas, the European Union, United States, and China are engaged in the modern-day equivalent of a gold rush. This time, though, fortune seekers aren’t panning for shiny nuggets in Canada, America, or Australia. Instead, all eyes are on the critical minerals of Africa — cobalt, graphite, lithium,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals

DRC Battery Council Charts Ambitious Path to Battery Value Chain Integration

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 Constance

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

Lithium Battery Metals Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

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