Diamond - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC’s Deputy Minister of Mines Collaborates with ADEX Platform AG and CEEC to Boost Local Diamond Processing

January 13, 2024January 13, 2024 Constance

The Congolese Deputy Minister of Mines, Godard Motemona, hosted a delegation from ADEX Platform AG and the Center for Expertise, Evaluation, and Certification of Precious and Semi-Precious Mineral Substances (CEEC) this last. The meeting centered on the November 2023 agreement between ADEX and CEEC, focusing on establishing a local diamond-cutting unit for diamonds produced in the DRC before export. The ministry disclosed on January 10 that local authorities would provide support for the collaborative effort between ADEX and CEEC. The agreement aims to create a joint company, and a roadmap… Read More Here

Five Mineral Markets to Watch in 2024

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 Constance

With a focus on sustainable and equitable extraction, COP28 highlighted the pivotal role of critical minerals in securing clean energy supplies and transition value chains. In line with these advancements – which sees global demand more than doubling by 2030 – mineral-rich African countries are strengthening their regulatory frameworks and introducing new incentives to attract mining-focused investments. The second edition of the Critical Minerals Africa summit – slated for October 2024 – will showcase these markets and their role in global supply-demand dynamics over the next decade. Below are the top five… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Diamond Emeralds Precious Stones

Zambia Tops Global Emerald Production but Faces Local Industry Dilemma

December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Constance

Amidst Cheers and Conundrums in Emeralds Zambia claims the crown in global emerald production, marking a milestone in President Hakainde Hichilema’s tenure. This success, however, is shadowed by a perplexing issue: local companies in Zambia are unable to acquire these precious stones from their homeland. The enigmatic reasons behind this oddity cast uncertainties on the gemstone market and the Zambian economy. While Zambia revels in its emerald prowess, the inability of domestic companies to secure these stones poses a dilemma. This paradox poses a threat to the growth of the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Artisanal mining Copper Diamond Gold

CAMI Director General Meets with Mines Minister to Discuss North Ubangi Artisanal Mining Zones

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 Constance

The Director General of the mining cadastre (CAMI) Popol Mabolia Yenga, was received on Wednesday, November 1 by the Minister of Mines Antoinette Nsamba Kalambayi. The exchanges between these two personalities revolved around the issue of creating artisanal mining zones in the North Ubangi province. After intense lobbying by the new Director General of CAMI, it appears that the head of Mines has signed 8 ministerial decrees which, according to the communications unit, aim at the formal organization of the mining sector in this jurisdiction. One problem among many others… Read More Here

Diamond Mining in DRC

DRC’s Historic Bakwanga Diamond Miner Seeks Fresh Capital for Recovery

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Constance

The MIBA, or Bakwanga diamond mining company In the Democratic Republic of Congo, has long been a cornerstone of the country’s economy. After several years of stagnation, it gradually recommenced operations in 2011. However, today, its business is no longer as lucrative as it once was. The company’s recovery plan, estimated at USD 453 million, is set to be implemented over five years, accompanied by an investment plan of USD 161 million to be executed within three years. Fresh capital is needed to breathe new life into this enterprise. The… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Diamond

DRC Records 4.905 Million Carats of Diamond Production in 9 Months

October 18, 2023October 18, 2023 Constance

The mining industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) achieved production of around 4.905 million carats of diamonds in nine (9) months of 2023. According to statistical data from the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) published on September 20, 2023, diamond production in the DRC was dominated by the artisanal sector with production estimated at 3.044 million carats. According to the same source, the industrial sector achieved production of around 1.861 million carats of diamonds at the end of September 2023. For the whole of 2022, diamond production in… Read More Here

Mining technology Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Diamond Environment Social Governance (ESG) Equipment & Technology Gold International

4IR Technologies to Boost Competitiveness of Africa’s Mining Industry

September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 Constance

In addition to serving as an important aspect of the global energy transition, critical mineral resources represent a crucial source of revenue for many African nations. As a result, the continent is well-positioned to leverage and embrace Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies – including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, data analytics and predictive modeling – to optimize production processes, enhance decision-making and render its mining sector more competitive globally. Set to define the future of mining, real-time data analytics provide additional insights into underlying mining systems and enable short interval control… Read More Here

Diamond Mining in DRC

DRC Minister of Mines Addresses SACIM’s Diamond Marketing Challenges

September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 Constance

In a correspondence submitted on Friday, September 15, the esteemed National Deputy Eric Ngalula Ilunga directed an oral question to Minister of Mines, Antoinette Nsamba. This query pertains to Minister Nsamba’s decree, number 00049/CABMIN/MINES/01/2022, dated February 22, 2022, which establishes regulations governing mineral tenders overseen by the CEEC (Congolese Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) and its impact on SACIM (Ahnui Congo Mining Investment Company). According to Deputy Ngalula Ilunga, the root cause of SACIM’s current financial troubles, which have led to the inability to pay employee salaries, is the aforementioned ministerial… Read More Here

Diamond International

Lucara Diamond Corp. Finds 692.3-Carat Diamond at Karowe Mine

August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 Constance

Lucara Diamond Corp. has recovered a 692.3-carat diamond from its Karowe mine in Botswana, the second massive rough from the deposit this month. The white, type IIa stone came from the EM/PK(S) unit in the south lobe, known for its large, high-quality rough, Lucara said on Monday 21st of August. The miner found the diamond via its XRT unit, which uses X-ray technology to identify huge stones in large pieces of ore before they get broken up. The new discovery is the fourth diamond over 300 carats that Lucara has unearthed so… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Diamond Lithium

Divergent Policies in Zambia and Zimbabwe: Critical Minerals to Rescue?

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Constance

In late 2022, Lake Kariba, the world’s largest dam reservoir, experienced record-low water levels, leading Zimbabwe to halt electricity generation at the Kariba Dam’s South Power Station, while neighboring Zambia faced water rationing during an economic crisis. Both countries possess significant mineral reserves that could contribute to global energy transitions. However, they are grappling with climatological shifts that are destabilizing Southern African states, with floods, droughts, and cyclones becoming frequent and devastating events. The reliance on hydropower, which constitutes over 20 percent of the region’s energy mix, makes the impact… Read More Here