Mining in DRC - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is intensifying efforts to curb the illegal export of its minerals, particularly those allegedly smuggled by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. During a cabinet meeting on Friday, Mines Minister Kizito Pakabomba announced a series of measures aimed at cutting off the rebels’ access to revenue from mineral sales, which Kinshasa claims is fueling both their operations and Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict. As part of these measures, the DRC has designated the mining sites of Rubaya in Masisi territory and Nyabibwe in Kalehe territory as… Read More Here

Zambia and DRC to Lead Africa’s Copper Industry Expansion in 2025

March 16, 2025March 16, 2025 Constance

Africa’s copper industry is set for significant expansion in 2025, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia leading the charge. Both nations are ramping up production through new mining projects, increased exploration, and modernization of existing operations to meet growing global demand. Copper production surged across Africa in 2024, with top producers setting ambitious targets for further growth. In the DRC, output rose by 12.6% year-on-year, reaching 3.3 million metric tons—accounting for 11% of global supply. This increase was driven by the Phase Three Expansion of Ivanhoe Mines’… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict Tin

Alphamin Halts Mining at Bisie Tin Mine Amid DRC Conflict

March 15, 2025March 15, 2025 Constance

TSX-V and JSE-listed Alphamin Resources has temporarily suspended mining operations at its Bisie tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to escalating conflict in the region. The company reported that insurgent militant groups advanced westward toward the mine site on March 9, posing a significant security risk. Prioritizing the safety of its employees and contractors, Alphamin stated that operations will remain suspended until the situation stabilizes. Only essential personnel remain on-site to oversee care, maintenance, and security. Alphamin also confirmed that peace talks between the governments of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Battery Metals Corporate News Lithium

AVZ Minerals Wins Legal Battle Over Manono Lithium Mine in DRC

March 14, 2025March 14, 2025 Constance

Australia’s AVZ Minerals has secured a legal victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and China’s Zijin Mining in a dispute over rights to the Manono lithium mine. The company is now in talks with U.S. investors to secure funding for the project. The International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has ordered DRC’s state-owned mining company, Cominiere, to pay a €39.1 million penalty for failing to comply with previous rulings preventing it from terminating its joint venture with AVZ. AVZ initially held the permit… Read More Here

Copper Mining in DRC

China’s Refined Copper Imports Surge as Congo Supply Booms

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Constance

China is set to increase its imports of off-exchange refined copper this year, driven by soaring production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and concerns over potential supply disruptions from U.S. scrap restrictions, according to analysts and traders. The surge highlights China’s growing dependence on Congolese refined copper, which now accounts for a significant share of its imports. The DRC, bolstered by years of Chinese investment in mining, has become the world’s second-largest copper producer. Much of its exports to China consist of equivalent grade (EQ) copper—metal that meets… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

DRC’s Copper Exports Hit Record 3.1 Million Tonnes in 2024

March 13, 2025March 18, 2025 Constance

For the first time in its mining history, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exported a record 3.1 million tonnes of copper in 2024, according to a March 6 report from the Congolese Ministry of Mines. This represents a 13% increase from 2023, driven by strong performances from the country’s largest copper mines. Key Contributors to Growth Copper exports from the DRC could grow further in 2025, supported by a 3.7% increase in global demand, as forecasted by Commodity Insights. Additionally, the CRU Group estimates that the DRC’s copper output… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Corporate News

DRC’s Anti-Corruption Platform to Review Sicomines Amendment at High-Level Forum

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Constance

The anti-corruption platform “Congo is Not for Sale” (CNPAV) is set to host a high-level forum on March 14, 2025, at the Cercle de Kinshasa in Gombe. The event will evaluate the implementation of Amendment 5 to the Sicomines Convention, signed one year ago between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its Chinese partners. In 2008, the DRC signed a “Minerals for Infrastructure” deal with a consortium of Chinese companies, establishing the Sicomines project. While initially presented as a mutually beneficial partnership, the agreement has faced widespread criticism, particularly… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt

MMG Suspends Cobalt Processing at Kinsevere Amid Price Slump

March 9, 2025March 9, 2025 Constance

Chinese state-controlled miner MMG Ltd has halted operations at its cobalt processing plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just 15 months after its launch, citing a sharp decline in cobalt prices. The company, 67% owned by China Minmetals Corp, suspended the facility at its Kinsevere mine in December 2024 due to unfavorable market conditions. This decision comes as the Congolese government imposed a four-month export ban on cobalt last week, aiming to curb oversupply and stabilize prices in the world’s leading cobalt-producing nation. MMG recently completed a $600… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Corporate News Governance

CNPAV Demands Fair Renegotiation of Sicomines Agreement to Protect DRC’s Interests

March 9, 2025March 10, 2025 Constance

The Congo Is Not for Sale coalition (CNPAV) is urging the Presidency, the government, Parliament, and the executive committee of the EITI-DRC to take concrete steps to reassess the Sicomines convention and its fifth amendment. The coalition calls for a fairer balance of interests between the parties by addressing structural imbalances, financial losses, and ongoing uncertainty over infrastructure funding. CNPAV reaffirms its commitment to a just renegotiation of the Sicomines contract—one that prioritizes both the short- and long-term interests of the Congolese people and ensures a fairer economic future for… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Corporate News Mining Personality

Chairman of Zijin Mining, Departs as a Director of Ivanhoe’s Board

March 9, 2025March 9, 2025 Constance

Ivanhoe Mines Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland announced that Mr. Jinghe Chen, Chairman of Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., has stepped down from Ivanhoe’s the board of directors and has been replaced with the appointment of Dr. Chun (James) Wang, Vice President of Overseas Operations for Zijin Mining. Mr. Chen has served on Ivanhoe Mines’ board of directors since 2019, following the strategic investment by Zijin Mining into Ivanhoe Mines and the forming of the Kamoa Copper joint venture in 2015. Dr. Wang replaces Mr. Chen on the board of directors,… Read More Here