Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Central Bank Report Highlights Surge in Copper Prices and Oil Prices

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

The Central Bank of Congo’s economic report reveals that the price of copper soared by 4.56% to reach USD 9,050.00 on March 14, 2023. Factors such as expectations of lower US interest rates, a weakening dollar, and copper supply issues for Chinese smelters contributed to this increase. Compared to December 31, 2023, copper prices surged by 6.08%. Additionally, there was a 1.29% increase compared to March 2023. In the same period, the price of oil also saw a notable rise, reaching USD 85.27 per barrel on March 14, 2024, marking… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Mopani Copper Mines Handover Boosts Economic Hopes in Kitwe

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

The impending handover of Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining Limited by President Hakainde Hichilema is hailed as a significant milestone for the entire Copperbelt region, according to stakeholders in Kitwe. Lawrence Mwanza, Kitwe District Commissioner, believes this development will catalyze economic growth and youth employment opportunities, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable mining partnerships with investors like International Resources Holdings. And Mining engineer Boniface Matanda commends President Hichilema’s administration for ensuring Mopani Copper Mines’ return to full production, highlighting the positive impact on the local economy. Saul Simujika,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy News in Brief

Zambia’s Govt Expects Mopani Handover to Boost Kwacha Stability

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

Handover of Mopani Mines to Delta Mining Expected to Bolster Kwacha Stability, says Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, the Chief Government Spokesperson, asserts that the transfer of Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining Limited will play a pivotal role in further stabilizing the Kwacha against major convertible currencies. Mweetwa emphasizes that the activation of Mopani’s operations will not only contribute to Kwacha stability against the dollar and other convertible currencies but also lead to an increase in copper production. President Hakainde Hichilema is slated to formally hand over Mopani Mines to… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambian Officials Advocate for Local Participation in Mining Supply Chains

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe, emphasized the detrimental impact of mines forming supply chain cartels involving foreigners, which undermines the country’s economy. Kabuswe urged mines to cease using the alleged lack of capacity among local contractors as an excuse for not engaging them in business dealings. His remarks were conveyed by Mines Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta during the launch of the Barrick Lumwana Business Accelerator Program in Solwezi. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Industry, echoed Kabuswe’s sentiments, urging mines to comply with local content… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Revitalized Mopani Copper Mines Projected to Boost Employment and Economic Growth

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has announced that the rejuvenated Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) is poised to create 2,000 direct job opportunities and an additional 1,000 indirect employment avenues. Today, President Hakainde Hichilema is set to formally transfer Mopani to its new equity partners, International Resources Holding (IRH) from Abu Dhabi, who have acquired a 51 percent stake in the mine. The IRH agreement, valued at US$1.1 billion, earmarks a significant portion for settling outstanding dues to contractors, suppliers, and addressing debt obligations to Glencore. In 2021,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Diamond Economy

DRC Diamond Exports Reach $86.5 Million in 2023

March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 Constance

In 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) achieved significant diamond exports totaling around 8,305,796 carats, generating approximately $86.5 million in revenue. Artisanal operations dominated the sector, contributing 6,671,325 carats and $64.2 million, while industrial production lagged behind with 1,634,470 carats and $22.2 million. The Arab Emirates emerged as the largest buyer, accounting for 56% of the total exports, followed by Belgium and the EU with 41%, and India with a modest 2%. Despite these figures, the DRC saw a decline in diamond exports compared to the previous five years,… Read More Here

International Economy

Africa: IMF calls on African leaders to rethink fiscal policy in the region

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

At the 12th African Forum focusing on budgetary strategies amidst Africa’s escalating debt, speakers, including various institution departments and invited African ministers, emphasized the urgent need for African leaders to reevaluate budgetary policies to expedite economic growth. Acknowledging the mounting debt vulnerabilities due to internal and external shocks, stakeholders underscored the necessity of rethinking fiscal policies to prevent a continual rise in the region’s public debt-to-GDP ratio, which could hamper private investment and limit countries’ ability to invest in vital resources. To address future shocks, stakeholders advocate for the development… Read More Here

International Economy

BRICS Pursues Technology-Based Payment System to Reduce Dollar Dependency

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

The BRICS group aims to lessen reliance on Western currencies like the US dollar by establishing a technology-driven payment system, as announced by Mr. Ushakov, Foreign Policy Advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, to TASS news agency. “We believe it’s crucial to create an independent payment system within BRICS, leveraging modern technologies such as digital currencies and blockchain,” stated Mr. Ushakov, noting its cost-effectiveness and universal applicability. Russia, currently holding the presidency of the group, supports this initiative. BRICS Leads the Charge for Economic De-dollarization While the dollar still dominates… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

DRC Poised to Overtake Peru as World’s Second Largest Copper Producer

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance1 Comment

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its vast mineral wealth estimated at $24 trillion, is on the brink of surpassing Peru to become the world’s second-largest copper producer. In 2023, the DRC, already Africa’s leading copper producer, exported 2.84 million tonnes of copper, securing its position as the world’s second-largest copper producer, ahead of Peru, which exported 2.76 million tonnes. While these statistics await international confirmation, forecasts from Wood Mackenzie suggest that the DRC is on track to overtake Peru by 2026-2027, a sentiment echoed by Ruben Arrieta, a… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

FIRST QUANTUM CEO INSPECTS PROGRESS OF S3 EXPANSION AT KANSANSHI

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Chief Executive, Tristan Pascall, has been on the ground at Kansanshi to personally inspect the progress the company is making with its S3 expansion project. Of a total investment commitment of US$1.25 billion, the majority of this is being spent this year to ensure the entire project is completed by mid-2025. The S3 expansion entails an expansion of the mine pit and the mining fleet that services it, as well as the construction of a new processing plant, and a major expansion of the Kansanshi smelter. The… Read More Here