Hydro power plant - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Africa: the continent's hydroelectric potential estimated at 42 GW in 2023 (IHA) 1

Africa, boasting the world’s largest untapped hydroelectric potential estimated at 42 GW, faces a stark reality where over 570 million people still lack access to electricity, as highlighted in a recent report by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). Hydropower remains pivotal to Africa’s energy landscape, currently supplying 40% of electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. The competition for leadership in hydroelectric capacity among African nations is intense. According to the report, Ethiopia leads with 4,825 MW, followed by Angola at 3,836 MW, and South Africa at 3,600 MW. Nigeria, Uganda, DRC, Tanzania,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

AfDB-Funded Contract Signed for Inga 1 Hydroelectric Plant Rehabilitation

June 7, 2024June 7, 2024 Constance

With financial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the National Electricity Company (SNEL SA) signed a contract with the Chinese company China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC) for the rehabilitation of Group 6 (G16) of the Inga 1 hydroelectric plant in central Congo province. The signing took place on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Kinshasa, in the presence of senior executives from both parties. This multilateral collaboration between SNEL SA, CGGC, and the AfDB aims to modernize and enhance the production capacity of the Inga 1 hydroelectric plant, significantly… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

Congolese Civil Society Criticizes Inconsistent Electrification Policy in Open Letter to President Tshisekedi

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Constance

Concerned about the lack of vision and repeated trial-and-error approaches to the electrification policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society has voiced its apprehensions. United within the Wakisha collective, 18 member organizations sent an open letter to President Félix Tshisekedi following the signing of a new agreement on the Inga 3 project. The Wakisha collective expressed serious concerns about the new memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Inga 3 dam, a mega project aimed at building a new dam with a minimum capacity of around 7,000… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Hydro power plant

Zambian Govt to Implement Measures to Tackle Power Crisis

May 25, 2024May 25, 2024 Constance

The Zambian government is introducing several interventions to address the current power crisis, according to Energy Minister Peter Kapala. These measures include the importation of diesel-powered generators and the expansion of Maamba Collieries. Minister Kapala expressed concern over the ongoing load shedding, which has been caused by reduced water levels at hydroelectric power stations. He made these remarks during a tour of the Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Power Stations alongside Water and Sanitation Minister Mike Mposha. Kapala announced that the increased load shedding schedule will be reviewed in October… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Hydro power plant

Natural Oilfield to Replace Fortescue in DRC’s Grand Inga Hydropower Project

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 Constance

An Australian mining company, previously led by billionaire Andrew Forrest, has stepped back from developing the world’s largest hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Felix Tshisekedi’s office announced that Natural Oilfield Services, a Nigerian oil producer, will now take the reins. The revised plan involves constructing a 7-GW facility on the Congo River, scaled down from Fortescue’s ambitious Grand Inga project, which aimed to generate around 40 GW of hydropower. Additionally, the proposal includes an aluminum foundry and a refinery capable of processing millions of tons… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Aluminium Hydro power plant

DRC Signs Agreement for 7,000 MW Hydroelectric Dam and Major Aluminum Industry Projects

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to embark on an ambitious infrastructure project involving the construction of a 7,000 megawatt hydroelectric dam, an aluminum foundry plant, an aluminum refinery, and a port terminal. This development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Agency for the Development and Promotion of the Grand Inga Project (ADPI-RDC) and Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOFLS). According to a press release received by MINES.CD on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, NOFSL has committed to conducting technical, environmental, social, and financial studies for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Hydro power plant

Zambia and Zimbabwe to Retender Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project

March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 Constance

According to Bloomberg, Zambia and Zimbabwe are planning to retender the Batoka Gorge hydropower project, valued at approximately $5 billion and with a capacity of 2.4GW. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), a collaborative effort between the two nations, will be accepting bids by April 2025, with the expectation of selecting new developers by September of the same year. Situated on the Zambezi River, 54km downstream from Victoria Falls and spanning the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Batoka Gorge hydropower plant has garnered significant interest from potential developers. Originally awarded… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

Zanaga Iron Ore Surges 26% on Hydroelectric Power Deal for Congo Project

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 Constance

Zanaga Iron Ore Co Ltd (AIM:ZIOC) witnessed a notable surge of 26% in its shares on Thursday, driven by a significant announcement regarding its Republic of Congo project. The company disclosed the signing of a memorandum of understanding with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) aimed at implementing hydroelectric power solutions for the iron ore project in Congo. This includes potential funding for these power projects, along with preliminary agreements involving the Republic of Congo government and other relevant entities. Chairman Clifford Elphick expressed optimism, stating, “Our feasibility study update process… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

AfDB Injects $9.72 Million into Modernizing Africa’s Hydropower Systems

December 27, 2023December 27, 2023 Constance

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), has allocated $9.72 million to drive the Africa Hydropower Modernization Program (AHMP), aiming to overhaul hydropower systems across the continent. The funds will expand ongoing AHMP efforts, focusing on 12 private sector-led projects in eight countries. Noteworthy projects include upgrading the cooling water system of Sudan’s 280 MW Roseires plant to mitigate forced outages and replacing electromechanical equipment at the 7 MW Lubilanji 1 plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “About half of Africa’s… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy Hydro power plant

DRC Seeks Hydropower Partners, Expands UAE Mining Investments

September 23, 2023September 23, 2023 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues its search for partners for the world’s largest hydropower project while anticipating increased mining investments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in preparation for December elections. Talks regarding the 44-GW Grand Inga project with Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest and his company, Fortescue Future Industries, have stalled. However, President Felix Tshisekedi revealed in New York that there is interest from other potential partners, including the World Bank, Chinese investors, Europeans, and possibly Fortescue. Tshisekedi aims to position the resource-rich country as an attractive destination… Read More Here