Copper - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Chile’s Copper Output Dips in March, Codelco Records Decline

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 Constance

Data released by Chile’s copper commission Cochilco on Friday revealed a slight decrease in copper production in March, with a mixed performance among major mines in the country. While output at Codelco, the world’s leading copper supplier, declined by 10.1% to 107,300 tonnes, other key mines demonstrated varied trends. BHP’s Escondida mine, boasting the largest known copper deposit globally, recorded a 9.7% increase, reaching 101,400 tonnes. Conversely, production surged by 16.1% at the Collahuasi mine, jointly operated by Glencore and Anglo American, totaling 49,800 tonnes. Despite these fluctuations, Chile’s overall… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Vedanta Engages Stakeholders for KCM Transition Updates in Kitwe

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 Constance

Vedanta Resources, a global mining firm, recently convened a significant engagement session with key stakeholders in Kitwe, Zambia. Led by Malcolm Mewett, the KCM Designate Chief Operating Officer, and Dr. Moses Banda, the Country Director for Vedanta Resources, the meeting aimed to update leaders from Mine Workers Unions and the Zambia Mine Suppliers Association on the ongoing transition process concerning Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). The discussions centered on various aspects, including updates on the creditors’ scheme of arrangement, progress on capital raising efforts, and the crucial issue of bridge financing.… Read More Here

Copper Gold Mining in Zambia

Barrick Prioritizes Copper Expansion Amid Renewable Energy Transition

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 Constance

The global copper industry has long grappled with underinvestment, hindering its ability to meet the rising demand driven by the worldwide transition to renewable energy. However, Barrick, recognized the critical importance of copper in the greening of the global grid and made its expansion a strategic priority following the merger with Randgold five years ago. Barrick’s thorough review of its global assets identified two significant opportunities: the Lumwana mine in Zambia and the dormant Reko Diq project in Pakistan. The Lumwana mine, once struggling, underwent a remarkable transformation under Barrick’s… Read More Here

International Copper

Copper price above $10,000 as supply worries counter faltering demand

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024 Constance

Copper climbed above $10,000 a ton as predictions for tighter global supplies and rising consumption in electric vehicles and power grids countered signs of demand destruction in top user China. Prices of copper have risen 17% this year on fears of shortages, with aging mines forecast to struggle to keep pace with demand. Supply growth is stagnating, according to ANZ Group Holdings Ltd. analysts including Daniel Hynes. Prices needed to stay around $12,000 a ton to achieve a 10% rate of return for a 300,000-ton mine, they said. Still, Chinese… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Electricity Press Release

FQM WORKS WITH ZESCO TO EASE ENERGY PRESSURE

May 12, 2024May 12, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is working with ZESCO to help source imported power and enable the state utility company to reduce the burden on the national grid. As Zambia’s largest copper producer, FQM operates the Kansanshi and Trident mines in North-Western Province, making a critical economic contribution to national export earnings, government revenue and employment. The company currently buys an average of 224,000 megawatt hours of electricity every month from ZESCO, which recently invoked the force majeure clause in its power supply agreements with some mines, signalling a need for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects Uranium

Prospect Resources Completes Deal with Orpheus Uranium

May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 Constance

Prospect Resources Limited (PSC: ASX, 5E8:FRA) has finalized a significant deal with Orpheus Uranium Limited (ASX: ORP), marking a milestone in the advancement of their Mumbezhi Copper Project in Zambia. The agreement, announced publicly on April 9, 2024, provides Prospect with access to crucial data to propel their project forward. As part of the agreement, Prospect paid Orpheus A$1.0 million in fully paid PSC shares, serving as partial reimbursement for prior exploration expenses. Additionally, three options to acquire ordinary PSC shares were granted for every four shares issued, priced at… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

DRC: the price of copper exceeds the mark of 10,000 USD per tonne

May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 Constance

The price of copper surged by 2.19% weekly, reaching USD 10,024.50 per tonne, marking its highest level in two years. Analysts at the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) attribute this increase to rising Chinese imports. Year-to-date, copper prices have risen by 17.51% compared to December 31, 2023, and over the past twelve months, they have increased by 16.70%. This uptrend presents an opportune moment for the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to capture more revenue from mining companies operating in the country, especially with the renegotiated Chinese contract… Read More Here

International Copper Gold Mergers & Acquisitions

Barrick Gold CEO Advocates Exploration Over Mergers for Copper Supply

May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 Constance

Mark Bristow, CEO of Barrick Gold (NYSE: GOLD), expressed his belief that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) would not effectively expand the copper supply needed for the energy transition. While mining giant BHP (ASX: BHP) pursues a $39 billion deal for Anglo American (LON: AAL), Bristow emphasized to the Financial Times the importance of companies prioritizing investments in exploring and developing new copper deposits. He argued that BHP’s pursuit of Anglo underscores the necessity for industry investment in its future. Bristow cautioned against the misconception that consolidation automatically leads to increased… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Press Release

FQM SUPPORTS PRESIDENT’S CALL FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TO COMBAT UNEMPLOYMENT

May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has pledged its support for President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to advance skills development in mining communities to combat unemployment. Speaking during Labour Day celebrations attended by the President this week, FQM Trident Human Resource Manager Brighton Mwiinga said the mining firm wanted to ensure that its employees were at the centre of helping rebuild the recovery of the economy, through improved productivity in the mining sector. Mr Mwiinga explained that while possessing the right knowledge and key competencies for a job was crucial, a well-coordinated workforce… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Infrastructural Development

DRC’s $7 Billion Infrastructure Deal with China Tied to Copper Prices

May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 Constance

Details published on Friday reveal that around $7 billion in infrastructure investments by Chinese companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under a revised minerals deal will be closely tied to copper prices. President Felix Tshisekedi’s government pushed for a review of the 2008 infrastructure-for-minerals deal with Sinohydro Corp and China Railway Group to secure greater benefits for the DRC, known as the world’s largest cobalt producer. The revised agreement was signed in March. Under the terms of the new agreement, the parties have agreed to maintain the current… Read More Here