International - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

International Cobalt Corporate News

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

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 Constance

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