Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Enforces Export Quota Deadlines to Stabilise Cobalt Supply

March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 Constance

DR Congo Mining Regulator Orders Miners to Use 2025 Cobalt Export Quotas by April 30 or Forfeit Volumes The mining regulator of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has directed mining companies to utilise all outstanding fourth-quarter 2025 export quotas by April 30, warning that any unused volumes after that deadline will be forfeited and transferred to a strategic reserve. The regulator, Autorité de Régulation et de Contrôle des Marchés des Substances Stratégiques (ARECOMS), also confirmed that quotas allocated for the first quarter of 2026 can be shipped until June… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

EGC and Mercuria Partner to Transform Kasulo into Benchmark for Responsible Cobalt Mining

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 Constance

EGC and Mercuria Sign Deal to Transform Kasulo into Global Benchmark for Responsible Artisanal Cobalt Mining in DR Congo Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Mercuria Energy Trading have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the formalization and development of the Kasulo artisanal mining site in Kolwezi, alongside efforts to strengthen the associated cobalt supply chain. The agreement aims to establish what the partners describe as a “gold standard” model for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), positioning the Kasulo site as an international benchmark for transparency, sustainability,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

DRC Advances Hydro-Metallurgical Copper and Cobalt Refinery Project in Lualaba Province

March 22, 2026March 22, 2026 Constance

DRC and Buenassa Resources Partner on Copper and Cobalt Refinery in Lualaba Province The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advancing a major hydro-metallurgical copper and cobalt refinery project in Lualaba Province, following high-level discussions between the Mining Cadastre and Buenassa Resources Sarl. On Tuesday, March 17, Mr. Popol Mabolia, Director General of the Mining Cadastre, met with Mr. Eddy Kioni, Director General of Buenassa Resources Sarl, to discuss the project within the framework of the broader DRC-United States strategic partnership on critical minerals. Buenassa Resources Sarl is spearheading the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News

Tenke Fungurume Mining Rejects Environmental Report Findings

March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 Constance

TFM Disputes EIA Report, Calls Allegations on Emissions and Health Impacts Inaccurate Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) has strongly rejected the findings of a report published on March 9, 2026 by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), describing its conclusions as “factually inaccurate” and based on “unsupported assumptions.” In a formal statement, TFM said it had engaged openly with the EIA’s concerns, providing a written response on February 10 following earlier correspondence in January. The company, however, criticised the final report for failing to accurately reflect its submissions, arguing that this had… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Economy

Cobalt Shortage Set to Persist as DRC Export Controls Tighten Global Supply

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 Constance

Global Cobalt Supply Crunch to Continue Through 2030 as Democratic Republic of the Congo Export Restrictions Disrupt Market A global cobalt shortage is expected to persist through the end of the decade as export restrictions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to disrupt supply chains, according to trading firm Darton Commodities. Cobalt shipments from the DRC declined significantly in 2025 after the government imposed an export ban in February, followed by strict quotas in October. The country responsible for more than 70% of global cobalt supply introduced… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News

DRC Moves to Approve Chemaf Sale to US Firm Virtus Minerals

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 Constance

Democratic Republic of the Congo Set to Approve Chemaf Sale to Virtus Minerals in Strategic US Critical Minerals Push The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is reportedly preparing to approve the sale of mining company Chemaf to US-based Virtus Minerals, a move that would advance a strategic minerals partnership between Washington and Kinshasa. According to sources cited by Bloomberg News, Congo’s Mines Minister, Louis Watum, informed Virtus that the government intends to clear the transaction. The approval would mark a significant step in the transfer of one of the… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Africa’s Critical Minerals Gain Strategic Importance as Global Demand Intensifies

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

Africa’s Rare Earth and Strategic Minerals Attract U.S. Interest Amid Global Supply Chain Pressures Africa is increasingly emerging as a strategic source of rare earth elements and critical minerals as the United States seeks to secure alternative supply chains for materials essential to defense technologies and advanced industries. Rare earth elements are vital components in modern military systems, including missile guidance technologies, fighter aircraft, radar systems, and secure communications networks. As geopolitical tensions rise and military inventories are replenished, reliable access to these minerals has become a growing strategic priority.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Burundi Signs Strategic Mining Agreements With U.S. Companies in Washington

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 Constance

Burundi Signs Critical Minerals Deals With KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals in Washington The United States Department of State hosted a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday for two strategic agreements between the government of Burundi and American mining companies aimed at advancing exploration and development of critical minerals. The event took place in the presence of Sarah Troutman, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, whose mandate includes promoting U.S. exports and expanding investment opportunities for American companies across sub-Saharan Africa. Agreement With KoBold Metals The first agreement links the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Corporate News Mining safety Safety & Health

Tenke Fungurume Mine Accused of Polluting Air and Harming Communities in DR C

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 Constance

“ Toxic Transition ” Report Links Cobalt Mining in DR Congo to Health Risks for Communities Cobalt and copper extracted in the Democratic Republic of Congo play a critical role in the global energy transition, particularly in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. However, a new report warns that the extraction of these strategic minerals may be causing serious health problems for communities living near major mining operations. The report, titled “Toxic Transition,” was published by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the Congolese civil society group PremiCongo. It… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Gold Lithium

U.S. Push for DRC’s Strategic Minerals Faces Security and Investment Hurdles

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 Constance

US Push for Congo’s Critical Minerals Faces Delays as Conflict and China’s Dominance Complicate Investment The United States has made gradual progress in its effort to reduce China’s dominance over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic mineral sector. However, ongoing conflict, contested mining licenses, and strict compliance requirements continue to slow Washington’s advance into a region where Chinese companies remain deeply entrenched. The Democratic Republic of Congo holds some of the world’s most valuable mineral resources, including the largest global supply of cobalt as well as significant deposits of copper… Read More Here