Copper - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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 Zambia Copper

Zambia’s Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Mining Sector Growth Amid Strong Copper Production

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s government has reiterated its commitment to creating a favorable investment climate in the mining sector, citing impressive increases in copper production as evidence of the success of its policies, according to Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals (FQM). This affirmation followed a recent visit by government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Mines, Information, and Labour, to FQM’s Kansanshi and Trident mining operations. The visit underscored a significant rise in copper production, which is helping Zambia move closer to its ambitious target of producing 3 million tons of copper annually… Read More Here

International Copper

Peru’s Copper Production Declines 1.2% in September Amid Output Slumps from Top Miners

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Peru’s copper production fell by 1.2% in September, reaching 232,423 metric tons, compared to the same month last year, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Copper is a key industry in Peru, one of the world’s largest producers, which generated 2.76 million tons in 2023. The drop in output was largely driven by decreased production from Peru’s two largest copper miners: Cerro Verde, controlled by Freeport-McMoRan, and Antamina, jointly controlled by Glencore and BHP. Output from both mines declined by 11% and 6.7%, respectively, year-on-year. From January to… Read More Here

International Copper Mergers & Acquisitions Mining Personality

BHP CEO Mike Henry Foresees $250 Billion Copper Investment to Drive Industry Mergers

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Soaring demand for copper will require an estimated $250 billion of investment over the next decade, fueling further mergers in the industry, according to BHP Group Ltd. CEO Mike Henry. In a Bloomberg Television interview, Henry highlighted the increasing challenges in finding and developing new deposits of critical minerals, which are becoming more costly and technically complex to manage. “This suggests a trend toward consolidation, with companies that have scale, strong balance sheets, and deep technical expertise, like BHP, being well-positioned to lead in the decades ahead,” Henry stated. Copper… Read More Here

International Copper

Glencore Tests Advanced Leaching Technology to Boost Copper Extraction in Chile

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Glencore Plc is advancing a groundbreaking extraction technology at its Lomas Bayas copper mine in northern Chile, aiming to increase yields from low-grade ore. This initiative reflects the mining industry’s push to enhance productivity amidst declining ore quality and growing demand for copper in global electrification efforts. After two years of successful laboratory trials, Glencore and Ceibo, a Chilean startup backed by BHP Group, announced the commencement of large-scale on-site testing of Ceibo’s innovative leaching process. The partners have not disclosed investment figures for the project. Ceibo joins companies like… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News Mergers & Acquisitions

Mitsui & Co. Leads Bidding for First Quantum’s Zambian Copper Mines

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co. has emerged as the top bidder for a stake in First Quantum Minerals Ltd.’s Zambian copper mines, outpacing a rival offer from Saudi Arabia’s state-backed Manara Minerals Investment Co., according to sources familiar with the matter. Mitsui’s bid is reportedly higher than Manara’s and involves acquiring roughly a 20% interest in First Quantum’s Sentinel and Kansanshi mines for approximately $2 billion. Negotiations between Mitsui and First Quantum are underway, though no final agreement has been reached, and other outcomes, including selling the stake to… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

Mopani Copper Mines Begins Exploration Near Mufulira Mine

November 20, 2024November 25, 2024 Constance

Mopani Copper Mines has begun exploration activities around Mufulira Mine to extend its lifespan by an additional 30 years, beyond the current projection of 2034. Chief Executive Officer Charles Sakanya revealed the mining giant’s plans during a breakfast meeting with Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane in Kitwe. Mr. Sakanya emphasized that the ongoing explorations aim to identify the mineral potential of surrounding areas to secure the mine’s future. He also announced Mopani’s goal to ramp up copper production to a peak of 220,000 metric tonnes annually. Over the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

Copper Price Surge Offers Opportunities and Risks for DRC’s Economy

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024 Constance

As of October 24, 2024, copper prices reached $9,561 per tonne, marking a 0.34% increase from the previous week. This rise is part of a broader trend of growing base metal prices, driven by rising global demand and infrastructure investments. Compared to the end of December 2023, copper has risen by 12.07%, providing a significant boost to producing nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the world’s leading copper exporters. This price surge could substantially impact the Congolese economy, potentially enhancing public revenues. The increased demand for… 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 Zambia Copper Economy

North-Western Province Leads Zambia’s Copper Boom and Economic Transformation

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024 Constance

Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe has highlighted increased copper production in North-Western Province’s major mines as a testament to the sector’s robust growth. Speaking at a media briefing in Kalumbila District, Mr. Kabuswe revealed that Zambia’s annual copper production now stands at 810,000 metric tonnes. He expressed confidence that the country’s target of three million metric tonnes per year is achievable with the revival of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines, alongside new mining projects spearheaded by President Hakainde Hichilema. Mr. Kabuswe also dispelled rumors about Kansanshi gold… Read More Here