Copper - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia’s Northwestern Mining Boom Creates 30,000 Jobs and Boosts Copper Outlook 1

The mining sector in Northwestern Province generated an additional 30,000 jobs last year, driven by major projects like the $2 billion expansion at Barrick’s Lumwana superpit. Minister of Northwestern Province, Robert Lihefu, highlighted the impressive growth of the sector in the region, noting that three major projects—Barrick’s Lumwana mine, Kansenseli Gold Mine, and the Kalengwa Mine, which was reopened by President Hakainde Hichilema in November after 46 years of closure—accounted for approximately 27,000 jobs. The remaining 3,000 jobs were created by smaller mining operations within the province. Looking ahead, the… Read More Here

Zambia Poised to Achieve 1 Million Tonnes of Copper Output by Late 2025

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

Copper production in Zambia is forecasted to reach one million tonnes annually by the close of 2025, according to the Ministry of Mines. Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta attributes this growth to increasing production levels at key mining operations, including Barrick Lumwana, Trident in Kalumbila, and Kansanshi Mines. This achievement represents significant progress toward President Hakainde Hichilema’s ambitious target of three million tonnes annually by 2030. Copper production has been steadily climbing since 2022, shortly after President Hichilema assumed office. In a notable turnaround, operations resumed at Mopani Mines and Konkola… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Corporate News Press Release

Ivanhoe Mines provides update to 2025 capital expenditure guidance

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

Ivanhoe Mines’ (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland and President Marna Cloete announced the company’s fourth quarter and full-year production results for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc mine, also in the DRC. In addition, the company has announced its 2025 production guidance for Kamoa-Kakula and Kipushi, as well as updated 2025 group capital expenditure guidance. Kamoa-Kakula delivered record production in 2024 of 437,061 tonnes of copper in concentrate, a 12% year-on-year increase, following the ramp up… Read More Here

International Copper

Chile’s year-end copper windfall signals mines are recovering

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 Constance

Chile’s copper export revenue jumped in December, despite lower prices for the metal, indicating that mines in the top-producing country extended a recovery from the lowest levels in two decades. The sales were up 10% from November and 13% compared with the same month a year earlier, at $4.66 billion, according to data released Tuesday by Chile’s central bank. The increase comes despite average monthly prices continuing to decline — to $4.16 a pound in December from a peak of $4.73 in May. Supply from a country that accounts for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

Zambia’s Nationwide Geological Mapping Survey Progresses

January 9, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

On August 14, President Hakainde Hichilema launched Zambia’s first-ever high-resolution geological mapping survey to identify areas with untapped mineral deposits. This ambitious initiative is part of the government’s strategy to boost mineral exploration and achieve the goal of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031. The survey, which employs advanced aerial geophysical technology, has already covered significant portions of the Western and North-Western provinces. Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta revealed that the survey divides the country into four zones, with Zone A focusing on these two regions. “Areas… Read More Here

Copper Mining in Zambia

KCM Boosts Production and Employment, Enhances Social Responsibility Under Vedanta

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 Constance

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc has increased production by 8,000 metric tons over the past five months, a move that will help protect 12,500 jobs, according to KCM Board Chairman Dr. Moses Banda. In an interview, Dr. Banda highlighted significant achievements since Vedanta Resources took over the management of KCM. He welcomed the 20% salary increase and once-off bonus provided to employees. “In addition to supporting our workforce, we have also made substantial payments to our creditors. Vedanta paid $250 million to creditors, with all Scheme Class 1 creditors fully… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

Lumwana’s Super Pit Expansion Officially Launched

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The development of a Super Pit at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine was officially launched in October 2024 by the Zambian President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by members of his cabinet. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony also attended by the Barrick board of directors, Mark Bristow said a critical element of the Super Pit Expansion was its focus on creating a sustainable legacy through the development of local capacity within the region, which would benefit both local communities and businesses throughout the construction and operational phases. The expansion will need… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

Copper Prices Remain Volatile, Straining DRC’s Economy

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

Copper, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) main export product, continues to experience significant price fluctuations on international markets. According to the latest data from the National Commission of Mercuriales at the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the price of copper dropped to 8,824 US dollars per ton during the week of December 30, 2024, to January 4, 2025, marking a decrease of 1.33% compared to the previous week. This ongoing volatility is causing concern for the Congolese economy, which relies heavily on copper exports for revenue. Experts warn that these… Read More Here

Exploration Copper Corporate News New Mining Projects

KoBold Metals Raises $537 Million to Accelerate AI-Driven Mineral Exploration

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 Constance

KoBold Metals, a Berkeley-based mining and artificial intelligence (AI) start-up backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, has raised $537 million in its latest funding round. This Series C round values the company at $2.96 billion and was co-led by existing investor T. Rowe Price and Durable Capital Partners. Other participants included Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and new backers like StepStone. With total funding of $1 billion to date, KoBold is positioning itself as a leading competitor in the critical minerals sector, challenging China’s dominance. The company specializes… Read More Here

Copper Economy Mining in Zambia

Zambia Partners with Mercuria and IDC to Enhance Copper Trade

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 Constance

Independent energy and commodity group Mercuria has entered into a strategic joint venture (JV) partnership with Zambia’s state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to establish a metals trading company through Industrial Resources Limited, a wholly owned IDC subsidiary. This partnership positions Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, to actively participate in minerals trading. Mercuria will support Zambia in building independent institutional marketing and trading capacity for its copper resources. “Our joint venture with IDC marks a significant milestone for Zambia as it positions itself more strategically in the global minerals market,” said… Read More Here