Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Progress Update on Red Rock Resources’ Arbitration in the DRC

April 7, 2024April 7, 2024 Constance

Red Rock Resources, listed on AIM, has issued a significant update regarding its ongoing arbitration proceedings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) concerning the company’s stake in the VUP copper/cobalt joint venture (JV). As of February 5, Red Rock announced that the finalization of the arbitration award regarding its claim for a portion of the sale proceeds from a JV asset was pending signature and release. Despite a temporary halt in proceedings due to Presidential elections and the subsequent formation of a new administration, Red Rock has indicated that… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt Copper Zinc

Lwisha Artisanal Miners Face Harassment and Exploitation by State Services

April 7, 2024April 7, 2024 Constance

At artisanal mining sites in Lwisha, located in the Haut-Katanga province, diggers endure not only the illegal presence of numerous state services but also harassment and arbitrary taxes. In areas like “Kasonga” or “Double Band,” where copper is extracted, artisanal diggers are subjected to abuses by state services. These services control the region, imposing various taxes and fees without clear justification, plunging diggers into perpetual poverty. Working under deplorable conditions, diggers in Lufira’s sector face multiple barriers controlled by different state departments, each demanding payments upon each visit. Refusal often… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

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 Cobalt Copper

US Seeks Closer Ties with DRC Miner Gecamines to Secure Critical Mineral Supply

March 29, 2024March 29, 2024 Constance

The United States is actively engaged in regular dialogue with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state miner, Gecamines, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with key suppliers of cobalt and copper in Africa, a senior State Department official informed Reuters. With China’s aggressive investment in Congo, Zambia, and other African nations, Washington has increasingly expressed concerns about the concentration of mineral supplies essential for electric vehicles and electronics in the hands of a single dominant player. Jose Fernandez, the US State Department’s under secretary for economic growth, energy, and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt

Minister Updates Child Welfare Project in Cobalt Supply Chain

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Constance

During a council meeting on Friday, March 21, Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions, and National Solidarity, Modeste Mutinga, shared the interim outcomes of a project aimed at removing children from artisanal cobalt mines and transitioning their families into agribusiness. The initiative seeks to provide economic alternatives to diversify the local economy and offer socio-professional integration opportunities for the population. Key achievements include the support of 13,587 children, who were referred to schools near cobalt mining sites in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba. Additionally, plans are in place to construct 18 social… 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

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Gold

Copper and Other Mining Product Prices Show Slight Increases in International Markets

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

During the period between March 9 and 14, 2024, the price of copper was expected to experience a slight increase in international markets. According to the National Mercurial Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, copper, a key mining product exported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was projected to sell at USD 8,406 per tonne during this period, compared to USD 8,335 per tonne the previous week, indicating a modest increase of USD 71.45 or 0.86%. Additionally, other main mining products exported from the DRC, such as cobalt,… 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