Copper - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Jiangxi Copper’s subsidiary halts production after fatal accident

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Constance

Jiangxi Copper’s subsidiary has suspended its plant in Shandong province after a fatal copper furnace accident, according to a company statement on Monday. Shandong Humon Smelting, controlled by top copper producer Jiangxi Copper, said three workers were killed and fourteen were injured. There was an unexpected spill from the plant’s side-blown copper furnace, the company said, without giving the date of incident. Production has been halted amid an ongoing investigation, the gold-copper producer said. Humon produced 203,023 metric tons of copper last year, according to its annual report. Jiangxi Copper… Read More Here

International Copper Gold

Barrick Gold Expresses Interest in Cobre Panama as Future Partner Amid Ongoing Disputes

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Constance

Barrick Gold (NYSE: GOLD) is prepared to step in as a partner in the Cobre Panama copper mine once the Panamanian government resolves the ongoing dispute over the asset, CEO Mark Bristow stated on Monday. The mine, currently owned by First Quantum Minerals, has been embroiled in controversy since November, leading to its closure following widespread protests. The new administration under President Jose Raul Mulino, in power since July, has announced that a decision regarding the mine’s future—which contributes 1% of global copper output and 5% of Panama’s GDP—will be… Read More Here

Copper Mining in Zambia

Mopani Copper Mines Expands Operations with New Shafts to Boost Production

August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 Constance

Mopani Copper Mines is sinking three new shafts at its Kitwe and Mufulira sites, aiming to increase annual copper production to 225,000 tonnes upon completion. Speaking at the 96th Agricultural and Commercial Show, Mopani’s Public Relations Officer, Lillian Musenge, highlighted that one of the key challenges for the mine is its aging infrastructure. “Creating a Competitive Future” is this year’s theme for the Agricultural and Commercial Show. To achieve this, we must develop strategies and innovations to address current and anticipated challenges while seizing opportunities. For Mopani, old infrastructure is… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Artisanal mining Copper

Zambia’s Mines Minister Warns Mining Licence Holders Against Illegal Mining

August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 Constance

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has emphasized that the responsibility to curb illegal mining lies with licence holders, not the government. He warned that licence holders allowing illegal activities on their tenements risk losing their licences. In a media briefing last week, Kabuswe clarified that according to the Mines and Minerals Act, it is the duty of licence holders to ensure security on their tenements. He specifically addressed concerns about illegal mining at Sensele Mine, stating that the government does not own the mine, and the responsibility for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Zambia to Fully Map Mineral Resources to Combat Illegal Mining

August 10, 2024August 11, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul C. Kabuswe, MP, has stressed the importance of continued support and collaboration in the mining sector. During a speech in Lusaka on August 9th, Minister Kabuswe highlighted the Government’s commitment, alongside key stakeholders, to fully map Zambia’s geological landscape. This initiative is crucial for combating illegal mining and uncovering untapped mineral resources. Currently, only 49 percent of the country is mapped, a situation the Minister noted has worsened illegal mining activities. Once the full mapping is completed, the Government will have… Read More Here

International Copper Gold

BHP Plans to Sell Brazilian Copper and Gold Assets Acquired from Oz Minerals

August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 Constance

BHP Group, the world’s largest miner, is planning to sell the Brazilian copper and gold assets it acquired through its $6.3 billion takeover of Oz Minerals in May 2023, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has enlisted Banco Santander SA to advise on a potential sale following a strategic review of these assets. This acquisition was BHP’s largest in over a decade and was aimed at increasing the company’s exposure to critical materials used in clean energy and electric vehicles. However, BHP has no plans to divest… Read More Here

Copper Mining in Zambia

Jubilee Resources Begins Operations at Upgraded Roan Project in Zambia

August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 Constance

Diversified metals producer Jubilee Resources Group has initiated operations at its newly upgraded Roan project in Zambia. The launch of the project’s front-end section enhances the processing capacity and operational flexibility of the existing milling and flotation units. The newly constructed front-end section, located adjacent to the current milling and flotation circuits, boosts Roan’s overall processing capacity to a maximum of 13,000 tons per year of copper. This upgrade is part of Jubilee’s broader strategy to increase operational capacity, which also includes ongoing upgrades to the Sable refinery. The combined… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects Partnership

Tertiary Minerals’ Zambian Subsidiary Signs Strategic Agreement with FQM on Mukai Copper Project

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Tertiary Minerals’ newly established Zambian subsidiary, Copernicus Minerals, has signed a binding letter of agreement (BLA) with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for the Mukai copper project in Zambia. Copernicus Minerals is 90% owned by Tertiary Minerals (Zambia), which is 96% owned by Tertiary Minerals. Under the agreement, FQM is granted an initial 24-month exploration due diligence period, during which it is committed to funding a minimum of $1.5 million in exploration expenses, with $500,000 allocated for the first year (Phase 1). FQM can earn an initial 51% stake in the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

Glencore Halts Cobalt Stockpiling as Surplus Market Predicted for 18-20 Months

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Glencore has ceased stockpiling electric vehicle (EV) battery material cobalt, according to CEO Gary Nagle, who stated on Wednesday that the market is likely to remain in surplus for another 18 to 20 months. In August 2023, the London-listed miner announced that it had stockpiled cobalt in the first half of the year, reducing supplies to the market to support prices. However, the company did not disclose the quantity of cobalt stockpiled, and Nagle declined to comment on current stock levels. Increased production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

FQM to trim work hours at stalled Panama copper mine

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is trimming working hours at its stalled copper mine in Panama in a bid to rein in the cost of preserving the site following last year’s shutdown order, the union said. The Canadian firm will reduce extraordinary hours available to workers and end Sunday activities, according to a union statement. Changes will take effect Aug. 15. First Quantum declined to comment. “The company is executing this action without support from the workers that are still there to keep the project afloat,” union leader Michael Camacho said… Read More Here