International - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

BHP Names Brandon Craig CEO as Copper Takes Centre Stage in Strategic Shift

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 Constance

BHP Appoints Brandon Craig as CEO, Signaling Pivot to Copper and Growth in the Americas BHP (ASX, LON: BHP) has promoted long-serving executive Brandon Craig to chief executive officer, cementing the miner’s strategic pivot toward copper as Mike Henry’s tenure comes to an end. Craig, a 25-year veteran, will assume the role on July 1 after leading BHP’s Americas division, overseeing its expanding copper and potash portfolio. While speculation tied Henry’s departure to BHP’s failed $49 billion bid for Anglo American (LON: AAL), the transition had been planned since last… Read More Here

International Corporate News Gold

Trafigura Partners with Venezuela’s Minerven to Launch Responsible Gold Sourcing Program

March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 Constance

Trafigura–Minerven Gold Deal: Venezuela Moves Toward Responsible Mining and US Market Access Commodity trading giant Trafigura will collaborate with Venezuela’s state-owned mining company, Minerven, to develop a responsible gold sourcing programme as part of a pre-payment agreement for gold doré, a semi-refined gold alloy. The initiative forms part of broader reforms in Venezuela’s mining sector under acting President Delcy Rodríguez. These reforms follow recent policy shifts supported by the United States, aimed at attracting foreign investment and formalizing key industries, including oil and mining. Earlier this month, the United States… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Africa’s Critical Minerals Gain Strategic Importance as Global Demand Intensifies

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 Constance

Africa’s Rare Earth and Strategic Minerals Attract U.S. Interest Amid Global Supply Chain Pressures Africa is increasingly emerging as a strategic source of rare earth elements and critical minerals as the United States seeks to secure alternative supply chains for materials essential to defense technologies and advanced industries. Rare earth elements are vital components in modern military systems, including missile guidance technologies, fighter aircraft, radar systems, and secure communications networks. As geopolitical tensions rise and military inventories are replenished, reliable access to these minerals has become a growing strategic priority.… Read More Here

Corporate News Copper International

First Quantum Minerals to Sell Çayeli Copper-Zinc Mine in Türkiye for $340 Million

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Sells Çayeli Mine in Türkiye to Cengiz Holding for $340M to Focus on Core Assets Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals has agreed to sell its Çayeli Mine in Türkiye to a company controlled by Cengiz Holding as part of a strategy to raise capital and refocus on priority assets. Under a binding agreement, Turkish construction and industrial firm Cengiz Insaat will acquire the underground copper-zinc operation for $340 million in cash, including an advance payment of $50 million, according to a statement released by First Quantum.… Read More Here

Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate News International

Fortescue Acquires Alta Copper to Secure Full Ownership of Cañariaco Project in Peru

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 Constance

Fortescue Completes Alta Copper Acquisition, Securing 100% of Cañariaco Copper Project Diversified mining company Fortescue has completed its acquisition of Alta Copper, securing full ownership of the Cañariaco Copper Project in northern Peru. The transaction was finalized through a Canadian plan of arrangement, under which Fortescue subsidiary Nascent Exploration acquired all issued and outstanding shares of Alta Copper that were not already owned by the group. Under the terms of the agreement, Alta Copper shareholders received C$1.40 per share in cash, representing a total equity value of approximately C$139 million.… Read More Here

International Oil & Gas Petroleum

Oil Prices Surge as Middle East Conflict Shakes Global Energy Markets

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Constance

Brent Oil Nears $93 as US–Israel Conflict with Iran Fuels Supply Fears in the Persian Gulf Global energy markets are experiencing heightened volatility as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran enters its seventh day, raising concerns about disruptions to global oil supply. Military strikes and retaliatory attacks in the Persian Gulf have increased tensions across the region, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices and fueling fears of a prolonged supply shock. As of Saturday, March 7, 2026, the price of Brent crude the global benchmark for… Read More Here

International Corporate News

Glencore Backs $1.4 Billion Bid for Stake in Eurasian Resources Group

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Constance

Glencore Proposes Financing Deal to Support $1.4 Billion Bid for Eurasian Resources Group Stake Mining giant Glencore is considering supporting a $1.4 billion bid by Kazakh entrepreneur Shakhmurat Mutalip to acquire a 40% stake in Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), according to reports citing people familiar with the discussions. Under the proposal, Glencore would provide an upfront pre-payment of about $800 million in exchange for future shipments of ferrochrome, a key raw material used in steel production. The arrangement would help finance Mutalip’s bid while securing long-term supply of the alloying… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe’s Lithium Export Ban Jolts China’s Battery Supply Chain

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports, Disrupting China’s EV Battery Supply Chain and Driving Global Price Surge China’s battery manufacturers are feeling the impact of Zimbabwe’s sudden suspension of lithium concentrate exports, a move that has unsettled global commodity markets and raised fresh concerns across the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. On February 25, the Government of Zimbabwe announced an immediate halt to all lithium concentrate shipments, including cargo already in transit. The policy forms part of Harare’s broader strategy to expand domestic mineral processing and capture greater value from its large… Read More Here

International Corporate News New Mining Projects

Rio Tinto Lifts Suspension on RBM’s Zulti South Project, Secures Mine Life to 2050

March 4, 2026March 4, 2026 Constance

Rio Tinto Approves R8.5 Billion Zulti South Project to Extend Richards Bay Minerals Mine Life to 2050 Rio Tinto has approved the development of Richards Bay Minerals’ (RBM) Zulti South project, formally lifting the suspension that has been in place since January 2020. The approximately R8.5 billion (US$473 million) investment is designed to extend the operation’s mine life to 2050 and ensure long-term production stability. Richards Bay Minerals currently operates within the Zulti North lease area, which includes a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. As the orebody at Zulti… Read More Here

International Copper Corporate News

Botswana Advances Copper Beneficiation with Planned Khoemacau Refinery Study

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

Botswana to Launch Feasibility Study for Copper Refinery Anchored on MMG Khoemacau Expansion Botswana is taking a significant step toward expanding its mineral beneficiation strategy, with Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo announcing that MMG Khoemacau, in partnership with key stakeholders and aligned with government policy, will undertake a feasibility study for the potential establishment of a copper refinery in the country. Speaking in Parliament, Kenewendo outlined progress made in copper beneficiation to date and identified downstream processing as the next strategic priority. The proposed refinery or smelter would… Read More Here