Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zimbabwe to Replace US Dollar with Gold-Backed ZiG as Exclusive Legal Tender 1

Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has passed a resolution to make the gold-backed ZiG currency the country’s sole legal tender, moving to phase out the US dollar. The resolution, finalized at Zanu-PF’s annual conference, mandates the government to “expedite dedollarization efforts” and prioritize the ZiG currency, though no specific timeline was provided. The ZiG, short for Zimbabwe Gold, marks Zimbabwe’s sixth currency shift in 15 years as an alternative to the US dollar, which remains legal tender until at least 2030 under current law. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hinted at accelerating… Read More Here

FQM REPORTS 13% RISE IN COPPER PRODUCTION FOR Q3

October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reported a 13 percent increase in copper production for the third quarter of this year, accompanied by a doubling of income tax payments globally. Production at the company’s Kansanshi mine in Solwezi rose to 49,810 tonnes of copper up 20 percent or 8,303 tonnes compared with the previous quarter, while its Sentinel mine in Kalumbila produced 58,412 tonnes, up 9 percent or 4,817 tonnes compared with the second quarter of 2024. “While it is pleasing to see continued strong operational performance from the Zambian operations… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

Rawbank Partners with ARSP to Boost Funding for 20,000 SMEs in DRC

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Constance

RAWBANK CEO Mustafa Rawji is leveraging the expertise of the Private Sector Subcontracting Regulatory Authority (ARSP) to reach 20,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that will benefit from the $200 million allocated by the financial institution. He made this announcement during a working session held at the ARSP. “Rawbank is seizing an opportunity to create substantial wealth and expand SMEs in the DRC, particularly in the mining sector and other industries regulated by the ARSP. Traditionally, banks have focused on financing large companies, but we recognize the urgent need to… Read More Here

International Economy

BRICS Expands to Include New African Partners

October 25, 2024October 25, 2024 Constance

South Africa has long stood as Africa’s sole representative within BRICS, the alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. However, at the recent BRICS summit, the alliance announced the addition of 13 new nations as partners, including three African countries, marking a significant shift in its influence and reach. BRICS has been rapidly expanding over the past two years, aiming to reshape the global economic landscape. Together, BRICS members represent 42% of the world’s population, 30% of the global landmass, and 24% of the global economy. This expansion… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia Aims for Major Copper Output Boost Through Investor Partnerships

October 22, 2024October 22, 2024 Constance

Zambia is set to enhance its copper output by developing numerous mining licenses in collaboration with investors. The country aims to more than quadruple its production by the early next decade, a goal that will require significant financial investment to advance early-stage projects into operational mines. In an interview, Jito Kayumba, special assistant for finance and investment to President Hakainde Hichilema, stated that over 40 permits reserved by the Mines Ministry will be transferred to a state-owned company. This entity will negotiate partnerships with private investors, maintaining significant minority, non-operational… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy

DRC Set to Gain 922.4 Billion CDF from Sino-Congolese Contract Renegotiation

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is poised to receive a significant boost of 922.4 billion Congolese Francs (CDF) in October 2024 due to the renegotiation of the Sino-Congolese contract. This anticipated cash flow plan outlines a total of public resources amounting to 2,483.4 billion CDF, which includes exceptional revenues from the revised agreement. Congolese authorities aim for this amendment to rebalance benefits between the two parties involved. For October 2024, public expenditure is estimated at 3,071.8 billion CDF, highlighting the necessity for rigorous management of public finances. The DRC… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Mining tax

Goma Mining Conference Promotes Tax Compliance and Economic Development

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

The mining conference held on October 14, 2024, in Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, served as a vital platform for local authorities to raise awareness among taxpayers in the mining sector about their obligations. The provincial government emphasized the importance of meeting tax responsibilities, warning that failure to comply could lead to the forfeiture of mining and quarry rights. “There was a pressing need to organize this mining day in Goma,” stated Peter Chirimwami Nkuba, the provincial governor. “It allowed the General Directorate of Revenue of North Kivu… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Mining in DRC

Zambia Launches Outward Trade Mission to Boost Relations with DRC

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024 Constance

The Zambia Outward Trade Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially commenced in Lubumbashi on October 17, marking a significant step towards enhancing trade relations between the two neighboring countries. The Zambian government has reiterated its commitment to supporting local businesses in accessing new export markets for their products and services. During the event, Lillian Bwalya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, represented the government and emphasized the importance of building long-term networks to foster trade and investment between Zambia and the DRC. “The… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Aims for Over 1 Million Tonnes of Copper Production by 2025

October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, has announced that the country aims to increase copper production to over 1 million tonnes by the end of 2025. He expressed optimism that the long-term goal of reaching 3 million tonnes by 2031 is achievable. Minister Kabuswe made these remarks during a high-level panel discussion focused on policies to meet the ambitious copper production target at the ongoing Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving this target. He noted the necessity… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Events & Expos

President Hichilema Commits to Strengthening Zambia’s Mining Sector for Economic Stability

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 Constance

President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed his commitment to growing Zambia’s mining sector to a level where minor shocks will not disrupt the stability of the economy. He emphasized that fluctuations within the mining industry have far-reaching effects on the entire economy. To achieve this goal, the government has set an ambitious target of producing three million tonnes of copper by 2031. During the official opening of the Mining Insaka in Lusaka, President Hichilema highlighted that reaching this target will help the mining sector become more resilient against minor disturbances. The… Read More Here