Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

CMOC Group Achieves Record Cobalt Production with African Expansion

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

China’s CMOC Group set a new benchmark in global cobalt production in 2024, thanks to a rapid increase in output from its African mining operations. The company announced it produced 114,165 tonnes of cobalt last year, nearly doubling the 55,526 tonnes achieved in 2023. This output far exceeded its 2024 guidance of 70,000 tonnes, solidifying CMOC’s status as the world’s leading cobalt supplier. In 2023, CMOC overtook Glencore as the largest global cobalt producer, driven by significant production gains from its Kisanfu mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),… Read More Here

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DRC Reports Decline in Child Labor in Cobalt Mines Amid Controversy

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

In its report published on December 31, 2024, the National Human Rights Commission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (CNDH) highlighted a decrease in the number of children working in cobalt mines in the Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces. However, the reported figures have sparked controversy. Prior to 2019, it was estimated that 360,000 children were working in these mines, according to organizations such as UNICEF. In contrast, the Congolese government reported a much lower figure of 14,850 child laborers. The CNDH, after consultation with Mines.cd, now estimates that the total… Read More Here

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DRC Govt Takes Charge of Kamoa Mining Product Sales

December 15, 2024December 15, 2024 Constance

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced its direct involvement in the sale of mining products from Kamoa, a company in which the State holds a 20% stake. This move aims to better secure national economic interests within the crucial mining sector. Kamoa’s turnover is projected to reach $3 billion, and as part of this new strategy, the Government, through the Minister of the Portfolio, will oversee the pricing and sale of mining products. Minister Jean-Lucien Bussa made this announcement during the Estates General of the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

DRC Considers Mineral Management for Energy Transition and 2050 Emergence

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Constance

From December 3 to 5, 2024, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mining companies, and civil society convened in Kinshasa to discuss strategic actions for the country’s emergence by 2050, focusing on its critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. These include copper, cobalt, lithium, iron, nickel, manganese, germanium, tantalum, tungsten, tin, rare earths, phosphates, and geothermal deposits. The Ministry of Mines and the Resource Matters organization organized this forum to gather input from diverse stakeholders, contributing to the Congolese government’s development of a strategic plan… Read More Here

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DRC’s Vast Mineral Wealth Faces Control and Benefit Challenges Amid Global Energy Transition

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of Africa’s most mineral-rich nations, boasting vast reserves of essential resources like lithium and cobalt—key components in batteries that are critical for the global transition to renewable energy. Despite this enormous potential, the DRC struggles to exercise full control over its mineral wealth or reap significant benefits from its exploitation, largely dominated by multinational corporations such as CMOC, Glencore, and Zijin. These concerns were highlighted by Faustin Biringanine, Director General of the Mining Fund for Future Generations (FOMIN), during the panel titled… Read More Here

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Cobalt Demand Gives DRC Strategic Edge in Europe’s Green Energy Race

November 27, 2024November 27, 2024 Constance

The surging demand for materials critical to electromobility, particularly cobalt, has thrust the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the spotlight, offering it newfound leverage as Europe scrambles to secure resources for its energy transition goals. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a member of the European Parliament, emphasizes the need for a united EU approach to ensure a sustainable and ethical supply of raw materials. “The extraction processes must align with our vision of avoiding exploitation and eradicating child labor under horrendous conditions,” Vedrenne, from the pro-European Renew Europe group, told DW. Cobalt, a… Read More Here

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Gécamines Seeks to Block Chemaf Sale to China

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s state mining company, Gécamines, has submitted a $1 million bid to acquire the cobalt and copper assets of financially troubled Chemaf. This move seeks to prevent further Chinese control of critical metals in the mineral-rich country, according to sources close to the matter. Chemaf, a partner of global commodities trader Trafigura, had previously agreed to sell its assets to China’s state-owned industrial giant, Norinco, in June 2024. These assets include copper and cobalt mines critical for electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure. However, Gécamines, which… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Corporate News

Kamoto Copper Company’s Bank Accounts Unfrozen Amid Financial Reforms

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024 Constance

Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a leading cobalt producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has had its bank accounts unfrozen following a decision reached during a working session at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday. The meeting, which was attended by the Governor of Lualaba, Fifi Masuka, and KCC representatives, marked a significant step towards resolving the financial restrictions that have impacted the company since November 2022. The decision to unfreeze KCC’s accounts, according to Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, is aimed at safeguarding the social interests of the Lualaba… Read More Here

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Vital Kamerhe Calls for Reflection on DRC’s Mining Challenges

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rich in minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium, faces significant challenges in its extractive sector. Despite its vast resources, issues such as illicit mining, environmental pollution, corruption, and poor working conditions persist. On November 13, 2024, during a plenary session, President of the National Assembly Vital Kamerhe called for a reassessment of the country’s mining sector. He highlighted the involvement of government officials, including some deputies and ministers, in illegal mining operations, and lamented the existence of “illegal protectors” in the sector. Minister of… Read More Here

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Tackling Traceability Challenges in the Congolese Cobalt Supply Chain

November 16, 2024November 16, 2024 Constance

The Congolese mining sector has long grappled with mineral traceability issues, particularly within its cobalt supply chain. In April 2024, the NGO Ressource Matters published a study titled “Study the Risks in Your Cobalt Supply Chain”. This research mapped over 280 entities spanning the cobalt supply chain—from miners to end consumers—highlighting the social and environmental risks associated with cobalt extraction. The study aimed to assist companies in aligning with international standards for responsible sourcing. The Complexities of Traceability Ressource Matters identifies the foremost challenge for companies using cobalt: tracing its… Read More Here