International - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Bristow Faces Geopolitical Struggles as Mali's Military Junta Targets Barrick Gold 1

Mark Bristow has spent three decades navigating civil wars and coups to build some of Africa’s richest gold mines, but now, Barrick Gold’s CEO is facing pressure from a cash-strapped Mali junta. This comes after a dispute over the division of economic benefits from the country’s largest gold mine. In 2012, when Mali’s government was overthrown, the junta allowed Bristow’s Randgold Resources to continue operations, even granting special permits for the company to fly gold bullion out of the country. However, the relationship has soured over time, and now, a… Read More Here

International Copper

Panama Divided Over Future of Cobre Panamá Mine Amid Environmental and Economic Concerns

December 7, 2024December 7, 2024 Constance

A recent nationwide survey in Panama has revealed strong divisions among the population regarding the potential reopening of First Quantum’s $6.5 billion Cobre Panamá copper mine, which has been closed for over a year following a presidential decree. Commissioned by ARCA Media en Direct and conducted by research firm DOXA, the survey involved 1,600 face-to-face interviews across the country, including 400 participants from communities near the mine. The results show a nation torn between concerns about environmental impacts and governance issues, and the mine’s vital economic role. The closure of… Read More Here

International Copper

Chile to Invest $83 Billion in Mining Projects Through 2033

December 7, 2024December 7, 2024 Constance

Chile plans to invest approximately $83.18 billion in mining projects between now and 2033, according to a study by state-run agency Cochilco, cited in a newspaper report on Tuesday. This marks a 27% increase from last year’s investment estimate. The Cochilco report, set to be presented on Wednesday, outlines 51 projects across the country, which is the world’s largest producer of copper and the second-largest producer of lithium, a crucial element for rechargeable batteries. Chile’s Diario Financiero reported that the Cochilco study did not include the recently announced $14 billion… Read More Here

Gold International

Mali Issues Arrest Warrant for Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow Amid Rising Tensions

December 7, 2024December 7, 2024 Constance

BAMAKO – Mali, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has issued an arrest warrant for Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow, according to a warrant document seen by Reuters on Thursday. This marks an escalation in the ongoing dispute between the Canadian mining company and the West African nation. The junta-led government of Mali is seeking to increase state revenues from the mining sector as gold prices rise. In an effort to exert pressure on foreign companies, the government has detained mining executives. In September, four senior local employees of Barrick… Read More Here

International Uranium

Orano Loses Control of Niger’s Somair Uranium Mine Amid Governance Issues

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Constance

Orano, a major player in the nuclear energy sector, has lost control of its Somair uranium mine in Niger due to governance issues and interference from Nigerien authorities. The French company, which owns over 60% of Somair, had already suspended production after Niger halted uranium exports last year. Niger, responsible for around 4% of global uranium production, has long been a key supplier to Orano. However, following a military coup in the country last year, the situation for international companies has become increasingly unstable. Orano cited the recent actions of… Read More Here

International Copper Corporate News Lithium

Rio Tinto Sells 30% Stake in Winu Copper-Gold Project to Sumitomo for $399 Million

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Constance

Rio Tinto Plc has agreed to sell a 30% stake in its Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia to Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. for $399 million. Under the terms of the deal, Sumitomo will pay $195 million upfront and an additional $204 million in deferred payments tied to development progress, Rio Tinto said in a statement on Wednesday. The two companies also plan to explore further partnership opportunities across copper, other base metals, and lithium. Katie Jackson, Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive of Copper, described the transaction as a “unique… Read More Here

International Economy Gold

Gold Prices Dip Amid Stronger Dollar and Geopolitical Shifts

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Constance

Gold prices edged lower on Monday, pressured by a strengthening US dollar following comments from President-elect Donald Trump, who warned BRICS nations against forming a new currency. The rising dollar has made gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, further dampening demand. Spot gold traded at $2,635 an ounce in early Asian hours, after falling nearly 3% the previous week. As of 9:13 a.m. in Singapore, the metal was down 0.4% to $2,632.11, while the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 0.3%. Other precious metals, including silver, platinum, and palladium,… Read More Here

International

Peru Extends Controversial Permit for Informal Miners Amid Industry Tensions

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 Constance

Peru’s Congress voted late Friday to extend the controversial Reinfo permit for six months, allowing informal mines to continue operating legally. The decision reflects a complex battle of interests, with large business groups opposing the permit and hundreds of thousands of informal miners advocating for its continuation. Peru is a significant global hub for copper mining, home to major operators such as Freeport-McMoRan and Southern Copper. The Reinfo permit has become a contentious issue as it seeks to regulate informal mining while addressing concerns about illegality and environmental impact. The… Read More Here

International Corporate News

Rio Tinto Cuts Jobs at West Angelas Mine Amid Green Iron Concerns

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Constance

Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has laid off a group of workers at its West Angelas iron ore mine near Newman, in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, and scaled back proposed developments at two nearby sites. Approximately 40 production staff were let go after arriving for their shifts this week, according to The West Australian. Rio Tinto confirmed the job losses but did not disclose the exact number. A spokesperson explained that the company regularly assesses its workforce to ensure it aligns with ongoing operational needs. Despite its profitability from iron… Read More Here

International Governance

Biden’s First Visit to Angola to Strengthen U.S. Ties with Sub-Saharan Africa

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Constance

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden is making a historic visit to Angola, fulfilling a pledge to strengthen U.S. ties with sub-Saharan Africa as competition with China intensifies. Biden, the first U.S. president to visit Angola since its independence in 1975, will spend three days in Luanda, from Monday to Wednesday, discussing economic, political, and cultural partnerships. The visit honors a promise Biden made in 2022 to engage more closely with Africa. Originally scheduled for October, the trip was delayed due to Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida. Despite his “lame-duck” status,… Read More Here