Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

Cobalt Events & Expos Lithium Mining in DRC

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

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

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

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News

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

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