Energy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

President Hichilema Inaugurates 60 Megawatt Solar Plant in Kitwe to Combat Energy Crisis 1

In a significant move towards diversifying Zambia’s energy sector, President Hakainde Hichilema inaugurated the 60-megawatt Itimpi power project in Kitwe last week. Developed by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), the project represents a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to increase investments in non-hydro-based power generation. President Hichilema, who was on a five-day visit to the Copperbelt region, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in sustaining such investments. He urged entrepreneurial firms to capitalize on Zambia’s abundant sunlight by investing in solar energy, thereby contributing to a more resilient… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy

One Road Initiative Advances Green Energy Collaboration in DRC

April 7, 2024April 7, 2024 Constance

The One Belt, One Road project, initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to rejuvenate ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, fostering global economic development through international cooperation. Recognizing the imperative of transitioning to sustainable energy amid climate challenges, renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower emerge as critical priorities within the project. By embracing clean technologies, participating nations can curb carbon emissions, generate green jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth. During the third International Cooperation Summit Forum on October 18, 2023, President Xi Jinping emphasized the… Read More Here

Corporate News Energy

Building energy reliability for the mining industry

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 arnbethnic

The mining sector faces considerable headwinds across the faltering global and local economies, geopolitical complexity, and power instability. Energy supply shortages are affecting mining organisations – the sector has had to navigate soaring costs, increasingly demanding sustainability regulations, and unreliable power supply while dealing with mercurial markets and fluctuating economies. They need an integrated energy approach that leverages natural and available resources in a solid and well-structured ecosystem which is cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable. Protecting this asset from the vagaries of an unreliable energy supply is crucial. And yes, the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

World Bank’s $100M Grant to ZESCO Drives Zambian Energy Reforms

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

Energy expert Johnstone Chikwanda asserts that the disbursement of a $100 million grant to Zambia, allocated for ZESCO Limited by the World Bank, will accelerate ongoing energy sector reforms aimed at enhancing access to sustainable clean energy. Dr. Chikwanda emphasizes that Zambia, as a signatory to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 7, stands to benefit significantly from this support as it strives to achieve universal access to clean energy by 2030. He underscores the timeliness of the disbursement, noting the government’s unprecedented efforts to diversify the electricity generation mix.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy News in Brief

ZESCO Negotiates Increased Electricity Imports from Mozambique

March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 Constance

Zambian Energy Minister Peter Kapala announced negotiations between ZESCO and Mozambique’s EDM to increase electricity imports to 120 MW. Currently, Zambia imports 50 to 90 MW from Mozambique and plans to boost it to meet demand. This move, however, will result in a revenue loss of $110 million. Last October, EDM agreed to resume electricity sales to Zambia under a contract potentially reaching 250 MW. The agreement includes firm sales of 50 MW during off-peak hours and an additional 200 MW on a non-firm basis. Additionally, both parties renewed an… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy

Copperbelt Energy Corporation Reports 171% Profit Growth to US$137.6 Million in 2023

March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 Constance

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (#CEC) has recorded an increase in profit by 171 percent, from US$50.8 million in 2022 to US$137.6 million in 2023. According to CEC’s latest financial report signed by company secretary Julia Chaila, the energy firm also recorded an increase in revenue from US$374.4 million in 2022 to US$382.3 million in 2023, representing a two percent increase. Ms Chaila stated that the increase in revenue was underpinned by local and regional power sales that increased by five percent and two percent respectively. “The increase in earnings is as… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

Zambia Develops Plans to Address Electricity Needs Amid Drought Threat to Hydropower

March 3, 2024March 3, 2024 Constance

Zambia has developed strategies to import and manage electricity as a severe drought threatens to impact hydropower generation, the nation’s primary power source, as reported by Reuters. The ongoing dry spell, declared a national disaster, is anticipated to negatively affect food production and could have repercussions on the mining sector, a vital component of Zambia’s economy as the second-largest copper producer in Africa. President Hichilema highlighted that the energy sector is projected to face a deficit of nearly 450 to over 500 megawatts this year due to the prolonged dry… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy

SkyPower Global Partners with AFC for 200 MW Solar Power Project in DRC

February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 Constance

SkyPower Global, a solar energy company, has announced a partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to develop a 200 MW solar power project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The agreement marks a significant step forward in the DRC’s efforts to increase its renewable energy generation capacity and improve electrification rates while addressing climate change concerns. The project, which is part of a larger 1 GW solar power purchase agreement previously signed by SkyPower with the state-owned utility Société Nationale d’Electricité (SNEL), is expected to commence construction… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy Exploration

Anglo American Advances Exploration in Zambia and Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio

February 12, 2024February 12, 2024 Constance

Anglo American, a leading mining company, is making significant strides in early-stage exploration in Zambia’s Northwestern Province to uncover potential copper and cobalt reserves. This move, announced by Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad in Cape Town, signifies the company’s commitment to fostering a more resilient mining industry in southern Africa. “Wanblad expressed optimism about Zambia’s mining sector, highlighting its potential for renewed activity, which bodes well for both Zambia and African mining as a whole,” stated the CEO. “Despite being in the early stages, we are determined to make a… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy

Japan Pledges Support for Energy and Mining in the DRC

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 Constance

In a press release issued by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Economy on Saturday, January 20, 2024, DESKECO.COM reported the Japanese government’s commitment to assist the Congolese government in energy projects. The delegation, led by Deputy Parliamentary Minister of Foreign Affairs Fukazawa Yolchi, expressed Japan’s interest in supporting the Inga project, renewable energy development, and local ore exploitation. Japan, congratulating President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi on his re-election, presented two key energy projects. The first involves non-repayable financing for energy substations in Kinshasa, and the second offers a repayable loan… Read More Here