Lithium - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

ZCCM-IH and Kobold Mingomba JV Unveils Zambia’s Biggest Copper Find in a Century

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 Constance

Yesterday, Joint venture partners ZCCM-IH and KoBold Metals, a Silicon Valley company using artificial intelligence to discover critical minerals for the electric vehicle and renewable energy revolutions, discussed the details of their recent copper discovery at the Mingomba deposit.“ZCCM-IH’s goal is to ensure that Zambia’s finite mineral resources are optimized and benefit the people of Zambia,” said ZCCM-IH Board Chair Mr. Kakenenwa Muyangwa. “ZCCM-IH is proud to be an active investor partnering with Kobold Metals in the Mingomba Deposit, which is well-positioned to help create new jobs, bring significant new… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt International Lithium Mining Personality

Mehdi Wetterwald Exits Trafigura’s Metals Unit Amid Transformations

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 Constance

Mehdi Wetterwald, previously co-head of battery metals at Trafigura Group, is leaving the trading house, marking the latest in a series of senior departures from its metals unit. Wetterwald, who had been with Trafigura since 2012, was appointed as co-head of global nickel, cobalt, and lithium trading alongside Daniel von Arx last February. Following a significant alleged nickel fraud against the company, von Arx later assumed sole leadership of the division. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Wetterwald is departing for personal reasons. His… Read More Here

Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Lithium Mining Projects

Top 5 Investments Made in Africa’s Critical Minerals in 2023

December 27, 2023December 27, 2023 Constance

The surge in global interest in critical minerals, essential for sustainable energy technologies and electric vehicles, has unleashed a wave of investments across Africa, home to 30% of the world’s mineral reserves. This year witnessed an influx of deals, cooperative agreements, and strategic investments aimed at fortifying the continent’s role in the global critical mineral supply chain. Here are the top five transformative investments that reshaped Africa’s critical mineral landscape in 2023. 1.Japan and UK Forge Joint Investments in African Critical Minerals Announced in September, Japan and the UK unveiled… Read More Here

Lithium Battery Metals Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

Billionaires’ Backed KoBold Metals on Global Hunt for Lithium

December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Constance

KoBold Metals, with endorsements from figures like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, ventures across four continents in pursuit of lithium reserves. The California-based startup, employing AI-driven exploration methods, expands its search for this vital metal—integral to electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology. CEO Kurt House revealed KoBold’s endeavor to uncover lithium in South Korea, Canada (Quebec), the United States, Australia, and Africa. The company, previously focused on nickel and copper, now adds lithium to its mining interests following successful explorations in Canada and Zambia. “By harnessing the insights from our lithium… Read More Here

Lithium Battery Metals Mining in DRC Mining Projects

DRC: lithium prices fall by almost 90%, what is the future of the Manono lithium project?

December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 Constance

The drop in lithium carbonate futures below US$10,000 per tonne has raised concerns in the market, particularly after the metal reached an impressive US$70,000 per tonne at a point in 2022. This decrease in value has significantly impacted the once-prominent Manono lithium project, rendering it unviable for further development. The Australian company AVZ, responsible for the project, has faced the fallout, bearing the weight of the irreparable losses incurred by the State of the DRC and the public company Cominière. To illustrate the severity of the situation, a comparison is… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Zimbabwe Sets Deadline for Local Lithium Production Plans

December 4, 2023December 4, 2023 Constance

Zimbabwe has issued a directive for lithium miners to submit plans for the in-country production of battery-grade lithium by March 2024, aiming to tap into the increasing demand for this vital mineral in the clean energy sector, announced Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube last week. In a bid to retain control over lithium resources, the country, Africa’s leading lithium producer, imposed a ban on lithium ore exports last year and introduced a 5% export tax on concentrates. Lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, has emerged as Zimbabwe’s… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium Mining Projects

Tantalex Lithium Resources CEO sheds light on the importance of lithium to the DRC

November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 Constance

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is renowned in the mining industry for its abundant resources, yet it grapples with a reputation for corruption and widespread poverty, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of wealth from resource extraction. This trend, observed in numerous industries and countries globally, seems notably pronounced in the DRC. Engaging with individuals operating within such environments, like Eric Allard, CEO of Tantalex Lithium Resources (CSE:TTX, OTC:TTLXF), offers a unique perspective on the ground reality in the DRC and sheds light on daily experiences. Allard, having… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium Mining Projects

AVZ Minerals Secures ICC Injunction Against COMINIERE in Manono Lithium Project Dispute

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 Constance

The dispute between AVZ Minerals and COMINIERE regarding the Manono lithium project in the DRC is yet to reach a final resolution. The International Chamber of Commerce has issued a prohibition on Congolaise d’Exploitation Minière (Cominière), restraining any actions directly or indirectly linked to the exploration and exploitation of the Manono project claimed by AVZ Minerals. This decision marks a preliminary victory for the Australian mining company, announced on November 17. Previously, AVZ had urgently sought arbitration to halt any transactions related to the Manono project. Notably, Cominière had recently… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium Mining Projects

AVZ Minerals Secures Strategic Funding Pact to Resolve Legal Battles

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 Constance

In a strategic move, AVZ Minerals, an Australian company, has inked a significant binding term sheet with Locke Capital, a global litigation funder. The deal, valued at $20 million, aims to address corporate, legal, and project expenses while resolving multifaceted litigation surrounding the Manono lithium and tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The funds will play a pivotal role in managing several arbitration cases at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, primarily revolving around the Manono lithium permits. Notably, AVZ has secured emergency relief orders… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

Tantalex Lithium Secures Glencore Partnership with Offtake Agreement and $5M Financing

November 14, 2023November 14, 2023 Constance

Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp. (CSE: TTX – FSE: DW8 – OTCQB: TTLXF) announced yesterday November 13th the successful conclusion of a lithium marketing offtake agreement (Marketing Offtake Agreement) and a convertible facilities agreement amounting to US$5,000,000 (Convertible Facilities Agreement) with Glencore AG (Glencore). These agreements were previously disclosed in Tantalex’s news release on September 8th, 2023. The Marketing Offtake Agreement encompasses 100% of the lithium production from Tantalex’s Manono Lithium Tailings Project, starting from the commencement of commercial production throughout the mine’s operational life. Glencore will exclusively manage all sales… Read More Here