International - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Glencore Secures $115 Million Cobalt Supply for U.S. Stockpile Amid Global Shortages 1

Glencore to Supply 2,000 Tons of Cobalt to U.S. National Stockpile as Prices Surge 160% Glencore has reached an agreement to purchase nearly 2,000 metric tons of cobalt valued at approximately $115 million at current market prices from industry veteran Rami Weisfisch, according to sources familiar with the deal. The cobalt, essential for defense and military applications, is expected to be shipped to the United States for inclusion in its planned strategic stockpile. Strategic Context: Reducing Dependence on China The U.S. government under President Donald Trump has been actively pursuing… Read More Here

International Exploration New Mining Projects

Rwanda Opens New Mining Blocks to Boost Investment in Strategic Minerals

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

Rwanda Launches 10 New Mining Blocks for Exploration in Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten, Lithium, and Gemstones Rwanda’s mining sector is attracting renewed investor interest as the government reports at least 73 applications for 10 mining blocks unveiled in mid-2025. According to the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), the initial competition has already resulted in successful awards for blocks including Nduba, Rweru-Kimvubu, Juru, Mamfu-Rwasama, Remera, Rugarama, and Rweru. Building on this momentum, the government has opened another 10 mining blocks for field visits between February 16 and 20, 2026, with… Read More Here

International Gold

Gold Boom Narrows Senegal’s Trade Deficit in 2025, but Structural Imbalances Persist

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

Senegal Trade Deficit Shrinks to $2.4 Billion in 2025 as Gold Exports Surge 51%, Data Show Senegal recorded a significant improvement in its external accounts in 2025, although the country continued to post a sizeable trade deficit. . According to data from the National Agency of Statistics and Demography of Senegal (ANSD), the West African economy registered a trade shortfall of approximately $2.4 billion in 2025. While still negative, the deficit narrowed sharply from roughly $5.76 billion in 2024, reflecting a strong rebound in export revenues and sustained external demand.… Read More Here

International

West African Resources and Burkina Faso: Negotiating Ownership in a New Era of Resource Nationalism

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

West African Resources Engages Burkina Faso on 25% Kiaka Stake as Government Expands Mining Sector Control West African Resources Limited (WAF) and Burkina Faso are navigating a complex but constructive path as the government advances policies aimed at increasing state participation in strategic mining assets. Despite a broader trend toward resource nationalism, both parties are demonstrating that structured negotiation remains viable. According to minutes from the Council of Ministers’ meeting held on February 19, 2026, the government is reviewing a draft decree that would enable it to acquire an additional… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe Advances Lithium Value Addition with Third Sulphate Plant Under Construction

February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Begins Construction of Third Lithium Sulphate Plant as Export Ban Drives Global Price Surge Construction has begun on another lithium sulphate plant in Zimbabwe, as the country accelerates its push to move up the battery minerals value chain amid strong global demand. Chinese group Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co. announced on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange platform that it has started building a lithium sulphate processing plant linked to its Kamativi lithium mine, which it operates through a joint venture with the Zimbabwean government. The project marks the third lithium… Read More Here

International Copper Corporate News

Panama Eyes Cobre Panama Restart to Accelerate Economic Growth

February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 Constance

Panama Targets 6% GDP Growth by 2027 if Cobre Panama Mine Reopens, Business Group Says Panama’s economy expanded by 4% in 2025, but business leaders argue that reopening the Cobre Panama copper mine will be critical to lifting growth to as much as 6% by 2027. The mine is operated by First Quantum Minerals and has been at the centre of economic and political debate since its suspension. Growth Driven by Services, Manufacturing Lags The Sindicato de Industriales de Panama (SIP), one of the country’s leading business groups, reported that… Read More Here

International Copper Corporate News Exploration

Serval Resources Launches 2026 Exploration Programme in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt

February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 Constance

Serval Begins Ground Geophysics on KCL Licences in Kalahari Copper Belt Following Conditional Acquisition Deal Copper and future metals developer Serval Resources has commenced its first exploration work programme of 2026 on Botswana assets owned by Kalahari Copper Limited (KCL), following KCL’s approval. The licences are located in the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB), widely regarded as one of the most prospective regions globally for sediment-hosted copper discoveries. Conditional Acquisition of KCL As previously announced on 9 February, Serval has entered into a conditional share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of… Read More Here

Battery Metals International Lithium News in Brief

China Lithium Prices Surge as Zimbabwe Suspends Raw Mineral Exports

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 Constance

Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports, Driving China Lithium Carbonate Prices Higher Amid Energy Storage Demand China’s lithium prices jumped sharply on Thursday after Zimbabwe suspended exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions amid booming energy storage demand. The most actively traded lithium carbonate contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange surged 6.07% to 178,020 yuan ($26,043.45) per metric ton as of 03:30 GMT, after earlier spiking over 9% to 187,700 yuan. Zimbabwe, Africa’s largest lithium producer, exported 1.128 million tons of spodumene concentrate in 2025… Read More Here

International Artisanal mining Gold

Ghana to Channel Artisanal Gold into Formal Trade to Boost Revenue

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 Constance

Ghana Launches ASM Gold Formalisation Program Targeting $20 Billion in Annual Foreign-Exchange Inflows Ghana plans to direct approximately 127 metric tons of artisanal and small‑scale mining (ASM) gold annually into official trade channels under revised sector reforms, aiming to increase foreign-exchange earnings and curb smuggling, Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Wednesday. Across Africa, ASM gold leakage costs countries billions each year as undeclared production is smuggled through porous borders to global trading hubs such as Dubai. Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, lost an estimated $11.4 billion between 2019 and 2023,… Read More Here

International Corporate News Gold Mining Personality

Barrick Mining Expands Executive Committee with Two Senior Appointments

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 Constance

Barrick Mining Appoints Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officers to Strengthen Government and Policy Strategy Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE: B; TSX: ABX) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of two new members to its executive committee, reinforcing its focus on government engagement and public policy as strategic priorities. The Toronto-based gold and copper producer announced the appointment of James J. McGuire as Chief Legal and Policy Officer and Woo Lee as Chief Global Affairs Officer. The company said the changes underscore its commitment to enhancing institutional capabilities that… Read More Here