Lithium - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Chile’s mining production up 7.7% in February

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 Constance

Chile’s mining production is starting to turn the corner after months of a sustained output slump, with the country’s total output up 7.7% in February from the same month last year. The country’s top commodities, copper and lithium, were behind the overall production increase, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Metal extraction grew by 5.5% on the back of rising copper output, which grew 9.95% to 420,242 tonnes. The country accounts for almost a quarter of the world’s copper supply, equivalent to about 5.2 million… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Press Release

Electra and Eurasian Resources Group Sign Cobalt Supply Agreement

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 Constance

Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra”, “Company”) and Eurasian Resources Group (“ERG”, “The Group”), a leading diversified natural resources group headquartered in Luxembourg, announced today that they have signed a binding letter of intent for the long-term supply of ERG’s cobalt hydroxide to North America’s first battery grade cobalt sulfate refinery. This transaction supports efforts to onshore the battery supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign refiners. .Starting from 2026, under the three-year supply agreement, ERG will deliver 3,000 tonnes per annum of IRA-compliant cobalt to Electra’s… Read More Here

International Lithium

Andrada Mining Reports Significant Production Increase in Namibia Operations

March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 Constance

Andrada Mining, a company with mining and exploration assets in Namibia, has announced a remarkable 60% year-on-year increase in ore processed for the financial year ended February 29, reaching 915,599 metric tons. The Uis mine, a key asset of Andrada Mining, witnessed a notable surge in tin concentrate production, up by 54% to 1,474 metric tons, with contained tin production also rising by 51% to 885 metric tons. During this period, plant availability at the Uis mine improved to 91%, compared to 87% in the previous financial year. Additionally, the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Lithium Mining in Zambia Zinc

India’s Govt to Spearhead Critical Metals Exploration in Africa

March 27, 2024March 27, 2024 Constance1 Comment

The Indian government is set to embark on an exploration of critical metals opportunities in Namibia and several other African countries beginning this year. VL Kantha Rao, the secretary of the mines ministry, disclosed this initiative to the Indian Mining Industry last Friday, revealing a focus on offshore mineral mining in Africa. “We are actively pursuing opportunities in Zambia, Namibia, Congo, Ghana, and Mozambique for critical minerals,” Rao stated. Additionally, Rao mentioned ongoing discussions with Australia concerning lithium blocks, indicating a comprehensive approach towards securing vital resources for India’s industrial… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium Mining Personality

Piedmont Lithium Appoints Dawne Hickton to Board of Directors

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 Constance

Piedmont Lithium, a North America-focused company listed on the ASX, announced the appointment of Dawne Hickton to its board of directors. Hickton, known for her leadership roles in aerospace, energy, and metals industries, brings extensive manufacturing expertise to further diversify the board’s executive guidance. President and CEO Keith Phillips praised Hickton’s transformative leadership and cross-industry experience, highlighting her track record in steering organizations through periods of growth. Piedmont aims to emerge as a major lithium hydroxide producer in North America by processing spodumene concentrate from its assets. These include the… Read More Here

International Lithium

Rio Tinto to spend $350m on Argentine lithium plant

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 Constance

Global mining company Rio Tinto has earmarked $350m for its Rincon lithium project in Argentina, Reuters reported. The move underscores the company’s commitment to commencing production by the end of the year. This development comes after Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm recently visited the site, highlighting the strategic importance of the investment. Stausholm was quoted by the news agency as saying: “The hard work of our Rincon team is laying the groundwork for our first lithium production by year’s end.” In 2022, Rio Tinto acquired the Rincon project from Rincon… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium

Western Interest Grows in Congolese Minerals as China Strengthens Ties

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 Constance

In recent years, Western nations, particularly the European Union and the United States, have shown a heightened interest in the abundant reserves of cobalt and lithium present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recognizing the DRC’s significance in the global energy transition, these Western powers have intensified efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical mineral supplies, leading to a strategic repositioning in the region. This renewed focus prompted the DRC to seek a renegotiation of its 2008 agreement with the Chinese Enterprise Group, aiming for more favorable terms.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Lithium

Zijin’s Dispute with AVZ Over Manono Project Stake Heads to DRC Court

March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 Constance1 Comment

A legal dispute between a subsidiary of Zijin Mining, a Chinese mining giant, and Australia’s AVZ Minerals over a stake in the Manono lithium-and-tin project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will now be adjudicated by a DRC court, following a decision by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration. Zijin Mining announced today that the ICC has ruled it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case between Jincheng Mining and AVZ, based in Fujian province. The dispute arose after AVZ failed to recognize Zijin Mining’s acquisition of… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Nickel

Goldman Sachs Forecasts Declines in Key Energy Transition Minerals (Study)

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

Goldman Sachs, an American investment bank, forecasts significant declines in the prices of cobalt, nickel, and lithium over the next twelve months, driven by weakening demand from the electric vehicle industry in Western countries and oversupply. Despite already experiencing substantial drops—60% for nickel, 80% for lithium, and 65% for cobalt—from their peak levels, analysts at the Wall Street bank caution against premature optimism regarding the end of this downward trend. Over the coming year, Goldman analysts anticipate price decreases of 12% for cobalt, 15% for nickel, and 25% for lithium… Read More Here

Cobalt Battery Metals Copper Lithium

US Turns to Africa to Diversify Battery Metal Supply Chains

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 Constance

The United States is seeking to Africa to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled battery metals and diminish Russia’s influence on mineral markets, US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo stated on Thursday. In light of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, Western nations are striving to decrease dependency on Chinese supply chains and disentangle their economies from Russia. As the US advances its energy transition agenda, it aims to catch up with China’s decade-long efforts to secure access to minerals crucial for electric vehicle batteries and solar panels. “We don’t want to overly… Read More Here