Mining in Zambia - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Gemfields Achieves Strong Auction Revenues in 2023 Despite High-Quality Emerald Auction Withdrawal 1

Gemstone mining company Gemfields reported robust auction revenues and pricing for both emeralds and rubies, reaching $242 million in 2023. This marks the second-highest year in Gemfields’ history, even with the withdrawal of the higher-quality emerald auction in November 2023. Gemfields’ 75%-owned Kagem emerald mine in Zambia witnessed a notable improvement in the quality and quantity of premium emeralds recovered in recent months. Emerald auction revenues for the year amounted to $90.4 million. The company’s 75%-owned Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique earned $151.4 million for the year. Gemfields’ cumulative emerald… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Coal Transport and Logistics

Zambia’s Govt Inaugurates Chambeshi Railway Siding Depot to Boost Logistics in the Country

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

The Zambian government has officially launched a railway siding depot at Sunline Zambia logistics company in Kalulushi District, Copperbelt. The depot aims to facilitate the transportation of fifteen thousand metric tonnes of coal monthly, contributing to efforts to enhance the railway sector and alleviate road congestion caused by heavy cargo transport. Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali emphasized the project’s significance, praising the government’s economic policies that attracted a three-million-dollar investment from the Chinese company into the Chambeshi railway siding. Johnny Jiang, Chairman of Sunline International Logistics, commended the Zambian… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

IMF Forecasts 4.7% Economic Growth for Zambia in 2024, Citing Mining Sector Reopenings

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

The Country Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Eric Lautier, has projected a robust economic growth of 4.7% for Zambia in 2024, surpassing last year’s recorded growth of 4.3%. Lautier attributes this positive outlook to the anticipated reopening of production at Konkola Copper and Mopani Copper Mines. The economic trajectory is expected to receive further impetus from increased investments in Kansanshi and Sentinel Mines. Lautier shared these insights in response to inquiries from various stakeholders in Zambia. However, he highlighted that the mining sector’s low production has adversely impacted… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Transport and Logistics

Zambia and Botswana Establish Kazungula Bridge Authority for Regional Economic Growth

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

Zambia and Botswana have successfully concluded discussions to establish the Kazungula Bridge Authority, which will be headquartered in Botswana. During a meeting with Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced the outcomes of the discussions. The key agreement is that the Chief Executive Officer of the Kazungula Bridge Authority will be a Zambian. President Masisi shared that, once formalities are completed, the authority will focus on expanding access roads and implementing advanced ICT technology to enhance service delivery. Ministers from both countries have been assigned to address outstanding… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Angola Mining in DRC Mining in Zambia

Lobito Atlantic Railway Assumes Control of Benguela Railway Operations

January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 Constance

In a significant development reported on January 25, the Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A. officially assumed operational control of the Benguela Railway, a pivotal rail infrastructure within the Lobito Corridor. The inaugural departure of the first two trains was sanctioned at 5:00, with the Board of Directors of the Caminho de Ferro de Benguela in attendance, as shared on Vecturis’ LinkedIn page. The Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A. represents a collaborative joint venture involving Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, tasked with managing the primary railway concession integral to the Lobito Corridor. A key… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Mine Safety Mining safety

Families of Trapped Zambian Miners to Receive Financial Aid as Rescue Efforts Intensify

January 25, 2024January 25, 2024 Constance

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo announced financial aid of k15,000 Kwacha for families of the five Zambian miners trapped at Macrolink Mine. Emphasizing it as logistical support, not compensation, Matambo expressed the government’s eagerness to conclude the rescue mission swiftly. Mine Safety Department Principal Inspector Yoram Chulu provided updates on overcoming initial challenges, including addressing water pumping issues. While preliminary measures have been completed, challenges persist with an unattended aquifer burst and concerns about shaft stability. The rescue team successfully sent a camera 150 meters into the shaft for further assessment. Read More Here

Mining in Zambia

Barrick Lumwana Mine to Engage 150 Local Partners for $2B Kamisengo Expansion

January 25, 2024January 25, 2024 Constance

Barrick Lumwana Mine has unveiled plans to involve 150 local contractors and suppliers in the upcoming $2 billion Kamisengo mine expansion. The Mine General Manager, Herbert Cawood, emphasized that the selection of contractors and suppliers will be facilitated through their business accelerator program, designed to support the capabilities of local entities. Cawood highlighted the purpose of the business accelerator program, stating that it aims to enhance the capacity of contractors and suppliers keen on participating in the mine’s expansion project. He clarified that only those with the requisite capacity will… Read More Here

Copper Artisanal mining Mining in Zambia

FQM AND MINE UNIONS SIGN COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FOR 2024

January 25, 2024January 25, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals Ltd subsidiaries Kansanshi Mining and FQM Trident have signed a collective bargaining agreement with six unions that sees eligible employees receive an 8 percent increase in basic salary from January 1, 2024. The agreement was signed with the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW), Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), Miners and Allied Workers Union (MAWU), United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ), Consolidated Miners and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CMAUZ), and Miners Technicians, Artisans and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (MTAAWZ).Speaking during the… Read More Here

Copper Mining in Zambia

Jubilee Metals production performance ‘strong’ in second quarter

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 Constance

Jubilee Metals Group PLC highlighted a robust production performance in the second quarter, with a significant surge in chrome concentrate output while copper production faced a decline. The London-based metal processing company disclosed that Inyoni platinum group metal production remained steady at 10,131 ounces in the three months ending December 31. However, copper output witnessed a 20% decline to 749 tonnes. Chrome concentrate production exhibited substantial growth, rising by 13% to 381,114 tonnes in Q2, attributed to the successful achievement of full production targets at the Thutse project. Despite operational… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Mine Safety Safety & Health

ZAMBIAN MINERS still TRAPPED IN FLOODED SHAFT

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 Constance

In a bid to accelerate the dewatering process of shaft number THREE at Macro Link mine on the Ndola-Mufulira road, management has secured and implemented a larger pump from Mopani Copper Mines. The mine manager, Joseph Manyepa, conveyed ongoing efforts to rescue the seven trapped miners in the flooded underground mine. As of the latest update, water is continuously being pumped out of the shaft where the miners are stranded. The mine manager highlighted the installation of the more powerful pump to expedite the rescue operation. Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner… Read More Here