Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Congo’s Cobalt Export Ban Boosts Chinese Stocks Amid Supply Concerns

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 Constance

Cobalt stocks surged in China on Tuesday following an unexpected export ban in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), improving the short-term outlook for the key material used in alloys and batteries. Shares of Nanjing Hanrui Cobalt Co. soared by as much as 17% in Shenzhen, while Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. gained 7.8%. In contrast, CMOC Group Ltd., which has been expanding operations at its two massive mines in the DRC, slipped 2% in Hong Kong. The DRC, the world’s leading cobalt producer, announced a four-month suspension of cobalt exports… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Economy

DRC Suspends Cobalt Exports for Four Months to Stabilize Market

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a four-month suspension of cobalt exports to address an oversupply that has driven down global prices. The measure, which took effect on February 22, aims to align exports with global demand and stabilize the market. As the world’s leading cobalt producer, supplying about 75% of global output, the DRC has seen production surge in recent years, particularly due to increased output from major mining operations. However, this rapid growth has led to an imbalance between supply and demand, causing cobalt prices to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Finance Minister Discusses Economic Stability with IMF Managing Director

February 23, 2025February 23, 2025 Constance

On February 19, 2025, DRC Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss the implementation of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) programs. This meeting, held amid rising tensions in the country’s east, underscores the close link between economic progress and national stability. Minister Li-Botayi acknowledged the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in the East but reiterated the Congolese Government’s commitment to structural reforms. These reforms focus on strengthening fiscal discipline and enhancing transparency in public finances, which… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy News in Brief Silver Ore

Silver Prices Rise in the DRC Amid Growing Global Demand

February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 Constance

The price of silver, a key export mineral for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rose by 3.03% between February 10 and 15, 2025, reaching USD 1.02 per gram, up from USD 0.99 the previous week, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade. The increase reflects growing industrial demand, particularly in green technologies and electronics, where silver plays a crucial role. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and currency fluctuations have reinforced silver’s status as a safe-haven asset. As Africa’s leading silver producer, the DRC stands to benefit from higher prices through… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Bank of Zambia to Launch New Currency Family in March 2025

February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 Constance

The Bank of Zambia has announced the introduction of a new series of currency, set to launch on March 31, 2025. The updated currency family includes six banknotes (K500, K200, K100, K50, K20, and K10) and six coins (K5, K2, K1, 50N, 10N, and 5N). The alpha code (ZMW), numeric code (967), and currency symbol (K) will remain unchanged, preserving the value of the currency. The new banknote designs draw inspiration from Zambia’s rich heritage and natural beauty, featuring the African Fish Eagle, six of the country’s key waterfalls, and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia Raises Interest Rate to Stabilize Kwacha and Curb Inflation

February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 Constance

The Bank of Zambia has raised its base interest rate by 0.5 percentage points, increasing it from 14% to 14.5%, in an effort to stabilize the Kwacha and control inflation. The decision was announced following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held from February 10-11, with Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya stating that the move aims to steer inflation back within the target range of 6-8% over the medium term. “The relatively higher inflation outlook for 2025 is largely driven by recent inflationary pressures and the continued depreciation of the exchange… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

President Hichilema Strengthens Zambia-Japan Ties to Boost Investment

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

President Hakainde Hichilema has concluded a successful working visit to Japan, aimed at attracting investment to drive economic growth and improve the lives of Zambians. The visit featured a high-level meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and a business forum showcasing Zambia’s investment potential. During discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba, President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s strong diplomatic ties with Japan and emphasized the shared commitment to expanding trade and investment. Both leaders pledged to build on existing agreements, including the policy dialogue mechanism and the investment promotion and protection agreement.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Gold

DRC Gold Trading Aims for 16 Tonnes of Gold in 2025

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

DRC Gold Trading, formerly known as Primera Gold, has set an ambitious target of purchasing 16 tonnes of gold in 2025, with a long-term goal of generating $12 billion for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the next five years. The company’s CEO, Joseph Kazibaziba, made this announcement during a press interview over the weekend, highlighting the company’s rapid growth and commitment to formalizing the country’s gold trade. “We are confident that we can exceed 16 tonnes this year, and within five years, we aim to capture more than… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Tin

DRC Tin Exports Reach $409 Million in First Nine Months of 2024

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

Between January and September 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) generated $409 million from tin concentrate exports, according to a report from the Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM), under the Ministry of Mines. In the third quarter of 2024, industrial mining dominated tin concentrate exports, accounting for 65% of total shipments and generating approximately $178.4 million. This reflects strong international demand for tin. Artisanal tin concentrate exports during this period originated primarily from Haut-Lomami (48%), followed by Maniema (26%), South Kivu (17%), Tanganyika (6%), and North… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy Events & Expos

Zambia Emphasizes Copper Production Growth to 3 Million Tonnes by 2032 At Mining Indaba

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

Zambia made a commanding statement at the 2025 Mining Indaba, drawing global attention with a packed Country Showcase that underscored its rising influence in the mining sector. As Africa’s second-largest copper producer and an emerging hub for critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, Zambia positioned itself as a premier investment destination, backed by stable policies and ambitious production targets. The Zambian government laid out an aggressive plan to ramp up copper output to 3 million tonnes per year by 2032. Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane emphasized the nation’s commitment to… Read More Here