Mining in DRC - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Macron Urges Immediate M23 Withdrawal as Tensions Escalate in Eastern DRC 1

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate withdrawal of M23 rebels from Bukavu and Kavumu Airport in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following a meeting with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on Saturday, Macron emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and the restoration of civilian and military authority in the city. “The M23 must immediately withdraw from Bukavu and allow the prompt return of civilian and military authorities,” Macron stated. He also insisted on the liberation of Kavumu Airport to facilitate the resumption of civilian and humanitarian… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Tshisekedi Accuses Rwanda of Fueling Conflict in Eastern DRC for Control of 3T Minerals

February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 Constance

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of destabilizing eastern DRC to exploit its vast reserves of 3T minerals—tungsten, tin, and tantalum—which are critical for modern technology production. Tshisekedi denounced Rwanda’s territorial claims over parts of North and South Kivu, particularly Masisi and Rutshuru, labeling them an “aberration” aimed at justifying its ongoing illegal mining operations. He highlighted the Rubaya mine in Masisi, a key source of coltan and other 3T ores, as a primary target of Rwandan-backed forces. He further stated:… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Declares Mining Sites in North and South Kivu as High-Risk Zones

February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 Constance

The Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabombe, has issued a ministerial order, signed on February 12, 2025, classifying certain mining sites in Masisi (North Kivu) and Kalehe (South Kivu) as “Red” zones due to security concerns and illicit mineral trade. The decree cites two main reasons for this decision: Details of the Ministerial Order The reclassification follows a United Nations Group of Experts report published on December 27, 2024, which confirmed that armed groups in eastern DRC, backed by a foreign national army, are exploiting mining sites to fund their activities.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper

DRC Central Bank Reports Copper Price Rise Amid Global Trade Adjustments

February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 Constance

The Central Bank of Congo (BCC) has released its latest economic outlook, covering the period from January 31 to February 7, 2025. The report highlights fluctuations in key commodity prices, reflecting global market dynamics and geopolitical influences. Copper prices rose to $9,412.75 per tonne, marking a 3.68% weekly increase. The report attributes this rise to improved market confidence following the U.S. administration’s decision to postpone new customs duties on imports from key trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. On a year-to-date basis, copper prices have gained 7.10%. In contrast,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt

Middlemen Divert Billions from DRC’s Cobalt and Coltan Trade

February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s leading producer of cobalt, loses nearly $1 billion annually to illegal trade, fueling conflict and deepening poverty, according to political analyst Oluwole Ojewale of the Institute for Security Studies. The DRC supplies 70% of the world’s cobalt, essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy projects. However, most of its production comes from 150,000 to 200,000 artisanal miners, with over a million people depending on their work. Operating in North and South Kivu, these miners extract minerals under harsh conditions, while middlemen… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

SADC Member States Address Kasumbalesa Border Issues for Improved Regional Trade

February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 Constance

From February 4-7, representatives from Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States convened in Harare to address the persistent challenges at the Kasumbalesa Border Post, a vital trade hub between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, organized by the SADC Secretariat and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aimed to find lasting solutions to congestion, trade facilitation delays, infrastructure shortcomings, and security concerns affecting truck drivers and the broader trade community. Attended by officials from 10 SADC Member States—including Angola,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Gold

DRC Gold Trading Aims for 16 Tonnes of Gold in 2025

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

DRC Gold Trading, formerly known as Primera Gold, has set an ambitious target of purchasing 16 tonnes of gold in 2025, with a long-term goal of generating $12 billion for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the next five years. The company’s CEO, Joseph Kazibaziba, made this announcement during a press interview over the weekend, highlighting the company’s rapid growth and commitment to formalizing the country’s gold trade. “We are confident that we can exceed 16 tonnes this year, and within five years, we aim to capture more than… Read More Here

Mining in DRC

DRC Urges EU to Halt Cooperation with Rwanda Over Illegal Mineral Exports

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

The Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba, has called on the European Union (EU) to immediately suspend all cooperation with Rwanda, particularly concerning the trade of strategic minerals like coltan, which Rwanda allegedly exports illegally to EU member states. She made this appeal during an extraordinary session of the Africa-European Union Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels on February 5, 2025. According to Minister Kayikwamba, such action is necessary to prevent the EU from being complicit in the ongoing instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Tin

DRC Tin Exports Reach $409 Million in First Nine Months of 2024

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

Between January and September 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) generated $409 million from tin concentrate exports, according to a report from the Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM), under the Ministry of Mines. In the third quarter of 2024, industrial mining dominated tin concentrate exports, accounting for 65% of total shipments and generating approximately $178.4 million. This reflects strong international demand for tin. Artisanal tin concentrate exports during this period originated primarily from Haut-Lomami (48%), followed by Maniema (26%), South Kivu (17%), Tanganyika (6%), and North… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

CCID Urges UN to Ensure Transparency in Rwanda’s Mineral Trade and Calls for Ceasefire in DRC

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 Constance

The International Chamber of Commerce and Development (CCID) has urged the United Nations to enhance transparency in the transfer of raw materials from Rwanda. Speaking at the 37th special session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 7, 2025, CCID emphasized the need for greater oversight to prevent crimes associated with mineral exploitation in the region. The organization stressed that improving transparency would facilitate legal action against those responsible for resource looting and related human rights violations. “A concerted effort is needed to regulate the transfer of raw… Read More Here