Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Lithium

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

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

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

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

Ivanhoe Mines Issues Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

November 3, 2024November 3, 2024 Constance

Ivanhoe Mines’ (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) President Marna Cloete and Chief Financial Officer David van Heerden are pleased to present the company’s financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Ivanhoe Mines is a leading Canadian mining company developing and operating its four principal mining and exploration projects in Southern Africa: expanding production at the world-class Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); ramping up the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-lead-germanium mine in the DRC; building the tier-one Platreef palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper and gold… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Economy

Kisanfu Mine Leads Global Cobalt Supply Surge

October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 Constance

The Kisanfu cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is projected to be the largest contributor to global cobalt supply growth in 2024, adding an estimated 23,000 tonnes more than in 2023. This announcement, made by the Cobalt Institute on October 28, 2024, forecasts a substantial market surplus for the year. In its annual report from May 2024, the Cobalt Institute reported a cobalt surplus of 14,200 tonnes for 2023—nearly double that of 2022—highlighting the pivotal role of Kisanfu, which added 32,500 tonnes to the global supply in… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Economy

Cobalt Market Forecasts 37,000-Tonne Surplus Amid Slowing Demand in 2024

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 Constance

The global cobalt market is projected to experience a notable surplus in 2024, with the Cobalt Institute forecasting a surplus of 37,000 tonnes. This outlook aligns with recent statements from CMOC, the world’s largest cobalt producer, which noted a slowing rate of supply growth in the latter half of the year. Key contributors to this surplus are increased production from the Kisanfu mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), set to add an additional 23,000 tonnes over 2023 levels, and a 14,000-tonne increase from the Tenke Fungurume mine, also… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

African Nations Called to Invest in Beneficiation of Critical Minerals for Industrial Growth

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 Constance

Africa has the potential to be a key player in the global energy transition due to its rich reserves of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. However, maximizing this potential requires a robust strategy for building manufacturing capacity, scaling up production, and increasing exports. This perspective was shared during a panel discussion at the recent Manufacturing Indaba, highlighting how resource extraction and industrialisation offer African nations opportunities to advance along the value chain, create high-skilled jobs, and drive technological innovation. “We need to explore ways to deepen those value chains,… Read More Here

Copper Cobalt Mining in DRC

DRC Solidifies Position as Leading Global Producer of Cobalt and Copper from 2018 to 2022

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Constance

Between 2018 and 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) solidified its status as the world’s largest producer of cobalt and the second-largest producer of copper. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the DRC generated an average of $5.5 billion annually in mining revenues during this period, a notable increase from $4 billion between 2013 and 2017. This surge in revenue is further supported by analyses from various media outlets, including Bankable, a subsidiary of the Ecofin Agency, highlighting the DRC’s strategic significance in supplying critical raw materials. As… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

Falling Cobalt Prices Force DRC Artisanal Miners to Shift to Less Profitable Copper

October 25, 2024October 25, 2024 Constance

Cobalt prices have plummeted over the last three years, dropping by two-thirds—a severe blow for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s leading cobalt producer with the largest global reserves. This price slump has forced many artisanal miners to abandon cobalt mining, with some turning to copper despite its limited profitability. In Kolwezi’s Kamilombe artisanal mine, under a corrugated shed, 39-year-old miner Guelord Kongolo prepares raw cobalt for sale. “The activity here has slowed down; it’s not like it used to be,” says Kongolo, who supports four children. Faced… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt

DRC Criticizes US Department of Labor for Including Congolese Cobalt on Forced Labor List

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has expressed strong disapproval of the United States Department of Labor’s decision to include Congolese cobalt in its 2024 list of goods produced by child or forced labor. On October 1, the DRC government issued a statement describing the decision as “unjustified,” arguing that it overlooks significant reforms in the regulation of both artisanal and industrial mining in the country. “The decision fails to acknowledge the substantial efforts and progress made in regulating artisanal and industrial mining. It undermines international systems designed to ensure… Read More Here