Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Cobalt Mining in Kolwezi Poses Serious Risks to Women's Reproductive Health 1

An investigation by La Guardia Magazine highlights the severe health consequences of intensive cobalt mining in Kolwezi, DRC, particularly on women’s reproductive health. From 2018 to 2023, cobalt production surged by 63%, increasing from 104,000 tons to 170,000 tons due to rising global demand for this essential mineral for energy transition. However, this accelerated exploitation poses significant environmental and health risks, especially in the Musonoï district. Located less than two kilometers from Kolwezi’s center, Musonoï overlooks an open-pit mine operated by Compagnie minière de Musonoï (COMMUS), a subsidiary of the… Read More Here

DRC’s Minister of Mines Commits to Eradicating Child Labor in Cobalt Mining

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

In a press release dated October 14, 2024, the Ministry of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo expressed its “astonishment” at the inclusion of Congolese cobalt on the list of products potentially associated with child labor, as reported by the United States Department of Labor. This statement follows a previous reaction from the government through the Ministry of Communication and Media. The ministry pointed out that while this decision highlights ongoing challenges in certain regions related to artisanal cobalt mining—representing only 5% of the country’s national production—it fails to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

Gecamines Bids for Chemaf Resources Amid Ongoing Controversy Over Chinese Sale

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned miner, Gecamines, has submitted a bid for Chemaf Resources Ltd.’s unit in the country. This move comes months after Gecamines announced its intention to block a previous deal that would sell the copper and cobalt miner to a Chinese investor. Chemaf, which is backed by Trafigura Group, spent nine months searching for a buyer before announcing a sale to China’s Norin Mining Ltd. in June. Although Chemaf is still working to finalize that deal, it has faced opposition from the government and Gecamines, which… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News

Metalkol Enters Copper Mark for Sustainable Production in the DRC

October 17, 2024October 17, 2024 Constance

Eurasian Resources Group’s (ERG) Metalkol operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially entered the Copper Mark assurance process, following a letter of commitment signed on September 12. The Copper Mark, an assurance framework launched in 2020, is aimed at promoting responsible mineral sourcing and production across the copper, nickel, molybdenum, and zinc value chains. The assurance process is voluntary, transparent, and independent, involving third-party assessments by approved assessors. These evaluations will verify whether Metalkol meets the stringent requirements for responsible production practices. By participating in this process,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Cobalt Copper Events & Expos Press Release

Anglo American Highlights the Vital Role of Zambian Capital Markets for Mining Sector Growth

October 13, 2024October 13, 2024 Constance

A strong and vibrant local capital market is essential to attract foreign institutional investors to Zambia’s mining sector, said Norman Mbazima, senior Anglo American executive for the last 20 years and Chairman of Anglo American Platinum. Speaking at the Zambian Mining and Investment Insaka last week, Mr Mbazima underscored the critical importance of creating a conducive investment climate to unlock the country’s mining potential. Participating in a panel discussion titled “Mining Beyond Copper: What’s in it for Zambia?”, Mr Mbazima joined a group of esteemed experts to explore the past,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Events & Expos

Glencore’s 6th Annual DRC Mining Conference Highlights ESG and Sustainability Efforts

October 13, 2024October 13, 2024 Constance

On October 8, 2024, Glencore held its 6th annual conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing together key stakeholders to address crucial issues in the country’s mining sector. The event, an essential platform for industrial miners like Glencore, emphasized the promotion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, traceability, and sustainability. Glencore has been a significant player in the DRC since 2007, contributing substantially to the nation’s economy through its copper and cobalt production. Its major assets include Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), co-owned with Gécamines (25% stake), and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Faces Royalties Dispute Amid Ties to Dan Gertler

October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 Constance

A long-standing dispute between a Glencore Plc unit and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is centered around a deal struck years ago by Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, who has been sanctioned by the US for alleged corruption. The conflict involves Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a major copper and cobalt mine owned by Glencore, and concerns royalty payments made to Gertler. Congo’s mines minister, Kizito Pakabomba, stated that the government believes part of these funds should have been paid to the state rather than Gertler. Gertler was sanctioned by the… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt Mining in DRC

Cobalt Prices Hit Eight-Year Low Amid Oversupply from DRC and Indonesia

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

The price of cobalt has reached its lowest level since January 2016, according to a daily assessment by Fastmarkets, a UK-based agency specializing in metal prices. On September 24, 2024, cobalt prices on the London Metal Exchange had dropped by 54% since early September 2022, standing at $22,382 per tonne. This significant price decline is attributed to an oversupply, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Indonesia, the world’s top two producers of cobalt. According to the Cobalt Institute, global demand for cobalt was projected to reach 197,000… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Mining tax

Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Mine Faces $894 Million Royalty Dispute in DRC

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

Glencore’s Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), a major copper and cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is facing a dispute with the country’s tax authority, DGRAD, over unpaid royalties amounting to more than €800 million ($894 million). According to sources, earlier this year, DGRAD froze KCC’s local bank accounts, and recently sealed off a metal storage warehouse, though the facility was reopened the next day. Kamoto, in which Glencore holds a 75% stake, is one of the largest mines in the DRC. It exported 200,000 tons of copper… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Cobalt Copper New Mining Projects

Zambia’s New $30 Million Copper and Cobalt Mine Set to Open in Mufulira District

September 28, 2024September 28, 2024 Constance

A $30 million copper and cobalt mine is set to open in Mufulira District, located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. Chilibwe Mine, which will be positioned off the Ndola-Mufulira road, is expected to operate for a lifespan of 10 years. The mine covers an area of 20 hectares and aims to produce 2,000 metric tonnes of copper and cobalt each month. This initiative aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s goal to ramp up copper production to 3 million tonnes per annum by 2032. In a recent scoping meeting in Mufulira, the mine’s… Read More Here