Electricity - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

KGL Unveils 10-Year Strategic Plan to Address Zambia’s Power Crisis 1

Amid Zambia’s ongoing power shortages, exceeding 1,300 MW and causing widespread blackouts, the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Development Corporation Limited (KGL), a subsidiary of Zesco Limited, has launched a transformative 10-year strategic plan. Announced on December 11, 2024, the plan aims to reshape the nation’s energy landscape by addressing the power crisis, promoting sustainable energy, and supporting Zambia’s economic development goals. KGL’s evolution from a project-focused entity to a fully operational power generation corporation is a critical milestone. Operating a 750 MW hydroelectric power plant, the largest installed capacity among… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity New Mining Projects

Jubilee Metals Faces Power Disruptions at Roan While Advancing Key Projects in Zambia

December 17, 2024December 17, 2024 Constance0 comment

Diversified metals processor Jubilee Metals, which operates in South Africa and Zambia, has reported significant disruptions at its Roan facilities in Zambia due to unplanned power outages. The blackouts have severely impacted production, with Roan operations being particularly vulnerable compared to the Sable refinery, which benefits from private electricity supply. In contrast, Jubilee’s Munkoyo and Project G mining operations remain unaffected and on schedule. The company is actively collaborating with Zambian authorities to manage the timing of outages and power restoration to reduce costs. However, the uncertainty surrounding Zambia’s national… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Zesco Settles $82 Million Loan Prepayment to China Exim Bank for Kariba North Bank Extension

December 15, 2024December 15, 2024 Constance0 comment

The Zambian government has clarified that the $82 million paid by Zesco to China Exim Bank is part of a loan obtained to help develop the $320 million, 360-megawatt Kariba North Bank Extension hydropower station. According to the Ministry of Finance, the financing agreement, secured in November 2009, established an account to manage funds for servicing the loan. Secretary to the Treasury, Felix Nkulukusa, explained that following approval from the Zesco Board in December 2022, the company transferred the accumulated $82 million as a principal prepayment to China Exim Bank.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Zambia’s Power Utility Seeks Solution to $80M Payment Error in China Debt Talks

December 15, 2024December 15, 2024 Constance0 comment

Zambia is working to address an $80 million payment mistakenly transferred by its state power utility, ZESCO, to China while finalizing its long-standing debt restructuring deal with the nation, according to Treasury Secretary Felix Nkulukusa. The funds, accumulated in a securitized account from electricity sales tied to a power plant built and financed by Chinese companies, were “unfortunately” transferred, Nkulukusa explained in an interview on Sunday in Lusaka. This payment issue underscores the complexities of Zambia’s debt restructuring process, which began in 2020 when it became the first African nation… Read More Here

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Morocco, DRC, and Zambia Collaborate to Revolutionize Africa’s Electric Mobility Industry

December 15, 2024December 15, 2024 Constance0 comment

Rabat – Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia have launched a groundbreaking initiative to establish a regional value chain for electric mobility in Lusaka, Zambia, aimed at transforming Africa’s automotive sector. Led by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Office for North Africa, the initiative entered its second phase on December 9, with representatives from all three nations in attendance. This project aligns with Africa’s goals to promote sustainable development, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and tackle challenges such as outdated vehicle fleets and inadequate public… Read More Here

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Power Crisis in Southeast DRC Disrupts Mining Operations

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Constance0 comment

The mining sector in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe power shortage, stemming from disruptions in electricity supply from neighboring Zambia. The crisis, which began on November 24, 2024, has left mining operations—critical to the DRC’s economy—in a vulnerable state. Zambia, a key electricity supplier to the DRC, is facing dwindling water levels at its hydropower dams and delays in expanding its energy infrastructure. These challenges have led to widespread power restrictions. Meanwhile, the DRC’s own hydropower capacity is strained by rising… Read More Here

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Zambian Miners Rescued Following Nationwide Power Outage

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Constance

Miners trapped underground at two copper mines in Zambia were safely rescued after a nationwide power outage disrupted operations, the country’s Ministry of Energy reported on Monday. The blackout occurred on Sunday due to a “power system disturbance,” according to state utility Zesco. The outage also affected neighboring Zimbabwe, highlighting the region’s ongoing energy challenges exacerbated by the worst drought in decades, which has severely impacted hydropower generation. Zambia’s Energy Permanent Secretary, Peter Mumba, confirmed that miners were trapped at Mopani Copper Mines, majority-owned by the United Arab Emirates’ International… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity News in Brief

Nationwide Power Outage Hits Zambia

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Constance

Zambia experienced a nationwide power outage on Sunday due to a “power system disturbance,” according to the state-owned utility company, Zesco. The incident occurred at approximately 18:15 GMT, resulting in a complete loss of power across the country. Zesco stated that efforts to address the unplanned outage were underway, with the restoration of power supply in progress. Further updates on the cause of the disturbance and the timeline for full restoration are expected. Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity

DRC Mining Sector Loses Billions Due to Energy Deficit

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Constance

Over the past five years, approximately $4 billion in potential revenue has bypassed the National Electricity Company (SNEL) due to the country’s chronic energy shortages. Fabrice Lusinde, the General Manager of SNEL, revealed this alarming figure during the Makutano Forum, shedding light on the significant energy deficit impacting the mining sector. According to Lusinde, mining companies currently purchase around $800 million worth of energy from SNEL annually. However, in addition to this, they import electricity worth $200 million from southern Africa and spend an additional $500 to $600 million on… Read More Here

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Strengthening Zambia’s Economy with Reliable Power Solutions Across Sectors

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s ongoing energy crisis presents a significant challenge to economic stability, impacting the productivity and viability of key sectors, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and commercial enterprises. Frequent power outages disrupt critical operations, reduce output, and hinder economic growth. Recognising the need for dependable power solutions, DGC Africa has formed a joint venture with Talisman Hire to establish Talisman Hire Kitwe. This collaboration offers both generator rentals and sales to provide businesses with reliable, adaptable power solutions that mitigate the impacts of the country’s energy shortages, helping sustain essential operations across… Read More Here