Cobalt - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Secures Strategic Stake in Nation’s First Copper-Cobalt Refinery Project

June 29, 2025June 30, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has acquired a 10% stake in Buenassa Resources SA, the company spearheading the development of the country’s first copper and cobalt refinery. The agreement was formalized on June 25 through a memorandum of understanding signed by Jean-Lucien Bussa, Minister of State Portfolio, and Eddy Kioni, CEO of Buenassa Resources. Though a minority stake, the 10% is classified as a “golden share,” granting the Congolese government veto power over strategic decisions that impact national interests. These include issues related to employment, taxation, environmental standards, local… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Exploration

EU Strengthens Support for Responsible Mining and Geological Development in the DRC

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 Constance

The European Union has unveiled new financial support for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) mining sector, launching two key initiatives aimed at fostering responsible mineral value chains and enhancing the country’s geological data infrastructure. The first initiative involves the EU’s backing of the Cobalt for Development project. This program is being implemented by the German development agency GIZ in collaboration with the Congolese state-owned enterprise, Entreprise Générale du Cobalt. Starting with pilot sites, the project seeks to improve social and environmental conditions in the artisanal cobalt mining sector. The… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

Global Cobalt Market Jolted by Congo’s Surprise Export Ban Extension

June 24, 2025June 30, 2025 Constance

Cobalt futures in China soared on Monday to levels not seen since mid-March, following the Democratic Republic of Congo’s decision to extend its ban on cobalt concentrate exports. Initially implemented in February, the ban has now been prolonged by another three months, significantly disrupting global supply. As the source of over 80% of the world’s cobalt—a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries—the DRC’s move is expected to remove more than 100,000 tonnes of cobalt from the global market over a seven-month span, according to industry estimates. Futures contracts for… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt

DRC Extends Cobalt Export Ban Amid Global Supply Squeeze and Rising Prices

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 Constance

The Strategic Minerals Market Regulatory and Control Authority (ARECOMS) has announced a three-month extension of the temporary suspension on cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The renewed measure, effective from June 21, 2025, was made public via a press release issued on Saturday, June 21. According to the ARECOMS Board of Directors, led by Patrick Mpoyi Luabeya, the decision stems from continued oversupply in the market. The suspension applies to all cobalt produced across the country—whether sourced from industrial, semi-industrial, artisanal, or small-scale mining operations. This extension… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt

Celsius Exits Opuwo Cobalt Project in Namibia to Prioritize Philippine Flagship

June 19, 2025June 19, 2025 Constance

Celsius Resources is moving forward with plans to divest its 95% interest in the Opuwo Cobalt Project in Namibia, as it sharpens its strategic focus on its flagship Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Copper-Gold Project in the Philippines. The Opuwo Cobalt Project, one of the largest known cobalt deposits outside the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is owned by the Opuwo Cobalt Group, in which Celsius holds a 95% stake. In March 2025, Celsius revalued the group’s assets at approximately USD 3.02 million. As of June 30, 2024, all assets under the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Cobalt

President Tshisekedi Launches Major Reform of Artisanal Cobalt Mining in Lualaba

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 Constance

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has announced a bold reform initiative targeting the artisanal cobalt mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a strong focus on Lualaba Province. The move signals a major shift in the government’s approach to one of the country’s most vital yet disorganized industries. The announcement was made during the Council of Ministers held on June 13, 2025, in Kolwezi. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya relayed the President’s concerns, emphasizing the urgent need to address the severe challenges faced by Congolese citizens working in artisanal mining.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Corporate News

Glencore Declares Force Majeure on Cobalt Shipments Following DRC Export Ban

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025 Constance

Glencore has declared force majeure on certain cobalt deliveries from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), just days after the Congolese government imposed a temporary export ban on the key battery metal, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. The DRC, which produces the majority of the world’s cobalt, enacted a four-month export ban in February in a bid to ease a supply glut that had depressed prices to their lowest levels in nine years and reduced government revenue. As a result, Glencore, listed on… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

DRC Advances Toward Local Mineral Refining with First Copper and Cobalt Refinery Project

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to halt the export of raw minerals, marking a significant step toward reducing its reliance on foreign processing and strengthening its industrial base. This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy for national economic growth and resource sovereignty. This initiative was highlighted during a meeting held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, between Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku and Eddy Kioni, Director of Buenassa, a 100% Congolese-owned company spearheading the country’s first copper and cobalt refinery project. Minister Paluku commended the progress… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt

Australia’s Cobalt Blue Secures Three-Year Feedstock Deal with Glencore for Kwinana Refinery

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Constance

Australia’s Cobalt Blue has signed a three-year agreement with global commodities giant Glencore to supply up to half of the feedstock required for its Kwinana Cobalt Refinery (KCR). Under the deal, Glencore will provide a minimum of 3,750 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide sourced from its Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) and Mutanda Mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The KCR facility, jointly developed by Cobalt Blue and Japan’s Iwatani Corporation in Western Australia, is set to become Australia’s first cobalt sulfate plant catering to lithium-ion battery markets and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper New Mining Projects

New US-Zambia Copper-Cobalt Venture Launched with $100M Investment

May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 Constance

US-based critical minerals developer Terra Metals and resource investment firm Metalex Commodities have finalized an agreement to establish Lunda Resources, a new copper and cobalt production venture in Zambia that both companies describe as a potential “powerhouse” in the global critical minerals market. A formal signing ceremony is set to take place at the US Embassy in Lusaka, underscoring the initiative’s alignment with US government priorities on securing critical mineral supply chains. In a statement released Wednesday, Terra Metals said the agreement represents a significant diplomatic and commercial milestone for… Read More Here