Lithium - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

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

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

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper Exploration Lithium

KoBold Metals Leads the Charge in Mineral Exploration for Energy Transition

March 13, 2024March 13, 2024 Constance

KoBold Metals, a pioneering mining startup with backing from industry giants like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is optimistic about its prospects in uncovering crucial metals vital for the energy transition. The company’s enthusiasm surged following its recent breakthrough discovery of a substantial copper deposit in Zambia. According to Josh Goldman, KoBold Metals’ president, this find marks a significant milestone, especially amid the mining industry’s struggle to meet the growing demand for metals essential to the energy transition. Utilizing artificial intelligence to create a “treasure map,” KoBold Metals focuses on… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium Nickel

Market Forecast: Cobalt, Nickel, and Lithium Prices to Decline by December 2024

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 Constance

Goldman Sachs Predicts Drop in Key Minerals for Energy Transition Goldman Sachs, renowned for its market analysis, foresees a downturn in cobalt, nickel, and lithium prices by December 2024, essential minerals for the energy transition. Analysts attributed this projected decline to decreasing demand from the electric vehicle industry in Western nations. According to Goldman’s forecast estimates, cobalt prices are expected to decrease by 12%, nickel by 15%, and lithium by 25% over the next twelve months. The bank’s analysts emphasized that despite supply constraints in late 2023 due to margin… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Lithium Tin

Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp Announces Production Milestone in DRC’s TiTan Plant

March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 Constance

Canadian company Tantalex Lithium Resources Corp, led by Eric Allard, has announced that its tin and tantalum plant, TiTan, based in the DRC, has produced its first batch of export-ready tin and tantalum concentrates. A first batch of 10 tonnes of tin concentrates (SnO2) has been fully processed at its Manono mining site. Additionally, 2.5 tonnes of tantalum concentrates (Ta2O5) have also been produced. All of TiTan’s production is sold under an operating agreement with AfriMet Resources Ag, a Swiss company based in Zug, founded by Hadley Natus in 2019,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Lithium

Rwanda and Rio Tinto Strike Lithium Deal Despite DRC’s Reserves

February 25, 2024February 25, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranks seventh among the 23 countries worldwide with proven lithium reserves, yet neighboring Rwanda, devoid of such reserves, has struck a deal with mining giant Rio Tinto for lithium exploration and exploitation. This move underscores a troubling trend of exploitation of Congo’s natural resources, exacerbated by the recent agreement between the European Union (EU) and Rwanda to develop value chains for critical raw materials, including those historically pillaged by armed groups linked to Rwanda. The urgency for Congo to safeguard its territory and resources… Read More Here

International Battery Metals Lithium

Glencore Plans Closure or Sale of Unprofitable Nickel Mines in New Caledoni

February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 Constance

Glencore’s joint venture, Koniambo Nickel SAS (KNS), in New Caledonia, is set to transition into care and maintenance due to high operating costs and weak nickel market conditions, the company announced on Monday. Acquired as part of Glencore’s 2013 Xstrata transaction, KNS has struggled with profitability despite efforts by the French government to support the nickel industry in New Caledonia. Glencore expressed gratitude for the government’s initiatives but stated that KNS remained unsustainable, and funding further losses was not justifiable for its shareholders. The company plans to seek a new… Read More Here