Energy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia’s Maamba Collieries Rebrands to Maamba Energy, Doubles Power Capacity

July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 Constance

Maamba Collieries Ltd, Zambia’s leading independent private power producer, has rebranded to Maamba Energy Ltd to better reflect its core focus on energy production. This rebranding aligns with the company’s ambitious plan to double its electricity generation capacity from 300 MW to 600 MW, aiming to address Zambia’s critical power deficit. “Energy is our primary business, and the new name Maamba Energy better reflects that,” said Chief Executive Officer Lt Col Cyrus Minwalla (Retd). “Coal sales have been merely an adjunct to our core power business. As the new name… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy Oil & Gas

Zambia Approves K2.46 Billion Investment in Energy Sector

July 21, 2024July 21, 2024 Constance

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in Zambia has approved thirty-four license applications and five construction permits within the renewable energy and petroleum sub-sectors. These approvals, totaling an investment of K2.46 billion (US$98.4 million), were granted during the July licensing committee meeting. ERB Public Relations Manager Namukolo Kasumpa announced that thirty-five applications were reviewed, with one license application being rejected due to non-compliance with safety standards and regulations. “The stringent licensing process demonstrates the Board’s commitment to promoting investment and growth in the energy sector while maintaining strict adherence to safe… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy Infrastructural Development

DRC Plans to Enhance Energy and Water Supply Infrastructure

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) currently has an electrical energy capacity of 2,800 Megawatts (MW), but only 2,100 MW are utilized, according to data shared on Thursday, July 18, 2024, by Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba Muba. The information was provided during a press briefing co-hosted with the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe. Minister Lwamba outlined the government’s strategy to improve water and electricity supply, emphasizing a multi-phase approach. “The electricity sector in the DRC is growing and developing. Today, we have an… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy Oil & Gas

DRC’s Oil and Gas Exploitation Faces Backlash Amid Global Shift to Renewable Energy

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024 Constance

As the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a project to exploit its oil and gas blocks, initiating calls for tender since July 2023. Despite committing to global environmental standards, this move has sparked controversy. According to environmental organizations, activating these oil and gas blocks contradicts the DRC’s agreement to protect the Congo Basin tropical forest, an agreement that secured $500 million in international investments over the first five years. Congolese authorities maintain that all international recommendations to limit climate… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy Partnership

Zambia Partners with Power China to Address Energy Crisis

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 Constance

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a partnership with Power China to tackle Zambia’s pressing energy crisis. A delegation led by Group Executive Vice President Jason K. Liu recently met at State House to solidify plans for collaborative efforts in energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The partnership focuses on constructing small to medium-sized power plants to swiftly address the country’s energy shortages, exacerbated by El Niño-induced drought. Three implementing teams from Power China are set to arrive in Zambia shortly, emphasizing a proactive approach to enhancing the energy, water, and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy

DRC Ministers Discuss Financing for Key Energy Projects

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 Constance

In a bid to revitalize the energy sector, a crucial pillar for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s development, Minister of Finance Doudou Fwamba Likunde and Minister of Hydrological Resources Teddy Lwamba met on Sunday, July 7, 2024, to discuss the financing of impactful rapid projects. The ministers reviewed major initiatives such as the Grand Inga project, undertaken in partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as other significant projects like Katende, Kakobola, and Tshopo II. “It is essential to invest in this sector. We… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy Green Energy

Zambia Promotes Solar Energy Adoption to Mitigate Electricity Challenges for SMEs

July 7, 2024July 7, 2024 Constance

To address the disruptions caused by electricity load shedding, the Zambian government is actively promoting the adoption of solar energy among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to enable businesses to maintain operations smoothly even during power cuts. Hon. Elias Mubanga, MP, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, is leading this effort. He emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses through reliable and sustainable energy solutions like solar power. “We want to ensure small businesses can thrive, even in the face of power outages,” Mubanga stated. “Solar… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy Green Energy

ENGIE Energy Access Launches Construction of 15 Solar Mini-Grids in Zambia

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024 Constance

ENGIE Energy Access, Africa’s leading provider of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) and mini-grid solutions, has commenced the construction of 15 solar mini-grids in Zambia’s Eastern Province. This initiative is part of the transformative Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) program, supported by the 11th European Development Fund and the European Union. By expanding off-grid energy solutions in Zambia, ENGIE Energy Access aims to provide reliable electricity to underserved families and small businesses, fostering economic growth and enhancing socio-economic welfare in local communities. MySol Grid Zambia, a unit of ENGIE… Read More Here

International Energy Uranium

Bannerman Energy Raises A$85 Million to Advance Etango-8 Uranium Project

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

Australia-listed uranium junior Bannerman Energy announced on Friday a placement to raise A$85 million for the continued development of its Etango-8 project in Namibia. The two-tranche placement consists of 25.8 million new fully paid ordinary shares issued to new and existing institutional and sophisticated investors at a price of A$3.30 each. Upon completion, Bannerman will have about A$100 million in cash reserves. “Proceeds from this placement will enable us to further progress our Etango-8 project, following positive outcomes from the recently announced front-end engineering design (FEED) and control budget estimates… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Energy

First Cogeneration Plant in DRC Ushers in a New Era of Clean Energy

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has achieved a milestone with the inauguration of its first cogeneration plant, which can produce 140 kilowatts of electricity. The plant was officially opened on Tuesday, June 24, 2024, in Yangambi, located more than 100 km from Kisangani in the Tshopo province. This marks a historic moment for the country. According to information from ACP, this pioneering plant uses biomass to generate electricity. Developed by the International Forestry Research Center (CIFOR), the plant was handed over to the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INERA)… Read More Here