Mining in DRC - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Congo-DRC-Angola Power Line Set for 2025 Launch

February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 Constance

The European Union (EU) will commission a 1,400 kV power transmission project in 2025, linking the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Angola. Known as the Boucle de l’Amitié Énergétique, this initiative aims to address chronic electricity shortages, enhance regional energy security, and support economic development. Electricity access in the Republic of Congo remains limited, with only 68% of urban areas and 12% of rural areas connected to the grid. The country’s primary power source, the Centrale Électrique du Congo in Pointe-Noire, is currently facing reduced… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt

Cobalt Oversupply Challenges Market Despite Long-Term Growth Potential

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Constance

The cobalt market is grappling with a significant oversupply, driven by unprecedented production levels, as demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries grows more slowly than anticipated. While the market faces short-term challenges, the long-term outlook for cobalt remains closely tied to advances in battery technology and the global transition to renewable energy. Cobalt prices have dropped to their lowest levels since 2016, largely due to an oversupplied market and weak demand growth. As the global supply chain struggles with excess inventory, prices have seen a dramatic decline, underscoring the difficulties… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

M23 Rebellion’s Rise Fuels Surge in Illicit Mining Revenues in Eastern Congo

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Constance

The M23 rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accelerated its illegal mining activities, with analysts predicting an increase in illicit trade of minerals like coltan and gold, which are smuggled through neighboring Rwanda. This week, the Rwanda-backed insurgency made significant strides by capturing Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, marking a pivotal moment in a conflict with government forces that has raised concerns about the potential for regional instability. While Rwanda denies supporting the rebels, analysts have pointed to the M23 group’s reliance on revenue from… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Alphamin Resources Shares Drop Amid Goma Conflict in DRC

January 31, 2025February 3, 2025 Constance

Alphamin Resources’ stock dropped by 9.4%, its steepest decline in nine years, after Rwanda-backed rebels seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the DRC, where the company’s tin mines are located. Earlier, shares had plunged by as much as a third before recovering. M23 rebels, having advanced rapidly, now patrol Goma, a key trading hub for DRC mineral exports to Rwanda. However, Alphamin’s tin, sourced from mines located about 120 miles west of the city, is sent northeast to Uganda, not through Goma. CEO Maritz Smith declined to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Corporate News Gold

Kibali Gold Mine Achieves Record Performance and Strengthens Sustainability Efforts

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Constance

Barrick Gold Corp, headquartered in Canada, reports that its joint venture Kibali Gold Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo achieved improved performance during the last quarter of 2024, culminating in its highest annual throughput since the mine’s commissioning. This milestone highlights the mine’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and its ability to deliver strong results, according to the company. Sebastiaan Bock, Barrick Africa and Middle East COO, noted, “Despite facing challenges in 2024, including leadership changes and a necessary reset, Kibali has proven itself to be a reliable, low-cost… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

DRC Foreign Minister Urges International Action Against Rwanda’s Support for M23 at UN Security Council

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 Constance

During an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Sunday, January 27, 2025, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), strongly condemned what she described as a “systematic and coordinated strategy” orchestrated by Rwanda, involving its support for the M23 terrorist group. The escalating violence in eastern DRC, including attacks on civilians and peacekeepers, has prompted global powers to respond, emphasizing the far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences of the crisis. Russia, represented by Vasily Nebenzia, called for an immediate halt to… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

SADC Launches Lobito Corridor Transit Secretariat to Boost Regional Trade and Infrastructure

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 Constance

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, in partnership with the three Lobito Corridor Member States, has officially launched the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Interim Secretariat Headquarters in Lobito, Angola. This announcement follows the 2nd Lobito Corridor Committee of Ministers meeting held on January 22, 2025. At the meeting, Honourable Ricardo Viegas de Abreu, Minister of Transport for Angola, emphasized the strategic role of the Lobito Corridor in promoting intra-African trade and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness in the global market. He explained that planned infrastructure developments would reduce transit times and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Hydro power plant

Grand Inga Dam Project Faces Major Delays Despite Huge Potential for Africa’s Energy Future

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 Constance

Plans to build the Grand Inga Dam on the Congo River, a colossal hydroelectric project that could provide renewable energy for much of Africa, continue to face significant challenges. The proposed dam, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aims to generate twice the power of China’s Three Gorges Dam, making it the world’s largest hydroelectric plant. However, despite its potential, the project remains in limbo. Originally envisioned as a transformative development, the Grand Inga Dam has attracted both international investors and governments. However, decades after its inception, construction… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Tensions Between Rwanda and DRC Escalate Amid Ongoing M23 Conflict

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 Constance

Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took a sharp turn this past weekend, as the DRC recalled its embassy staff from Kigali amidst escalating tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels. In a statement released on Saturday, the DRC’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision to withdraw its diplomats from Rwanda, citing growing concerns over the situation. The statement also ordered the Rwandan embassy in Kinshasa to halt all diplomatic and consular activities within 48 hours. The… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Events & Expos

DRC Showcases Mining Potential at Future Minerals Forum 2025

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made a significant presence at the 4th edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025, held from January 14 to 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a delegation led by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Mines, Mr. Marcellin Paluku, and including key figures such as Popol MABOLIA YENGA, Director General of the Mining Cadastre (CAMI), the DRC highlighted its strategic role in the global mining sector. The FMF, with over 20,000 participants from governments, businesses, investors, and research institutes, served… Read More Here