News in Brief - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Gemfields Sells Fabergé to SMG Capital for $50 Million to Focus on Mining Operations 1

Gemfields Offloads Fabergé in $50M Deal to Boost Mozambique and Zambia Mining Projects Gemfields Group has sold luxury jeweller Fabergé Ltd to investment firm SMG Capital for $50 million, marking a significant step in the coloured gemstone miner’s strategy to streamline operations and refocus on its core mining business. The sale follows a strategic review launched late last year. Gemfields acquired Fabergé in 2012 to strengthen its gemstone portfolio and leverage the brand’s prestige to promote its jewellery offerings. Founded in 1842 by Gustav Fabergé, the brand became world-famous for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Corporate News Mining safety News in Brief

FQM Suspends Operations After Fatal Accident at Zambia’s Sentinel Mine

June 24, 2025June 30, 2025 Constance

First Quantum Minerals announced on Monday that it has temporarily suspended operations in the area of a fatal accident at its Trident project in Zambia, following the death of an employee. The Canadian mining company stated that the incident involved a dump truck at the Sentinel copper mine, one of its key assets in the region. Operations in the affected area will remain halted until it is deemed safe to resume, according to a company statement. Local authorities have been notified, and First Quantum has initiated an internal investigation into… Read More Here

Mining in DRC News in Brief

DRC Launches New Mining Framework to Boost Development

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025 Constance

The General Secretariat of Mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has adopted a new framework and organizational structure aimed at transforming the mining sector into a key driver of national development. The formal ceremony took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, involving the Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, and the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, Modernization of Administration, and Public Service Innovation, Jean-Pierre Lihau Ebua. The Secretary General of Mines, Jacques Ramazani, was also present. According to a statement posted on the Ministry of Mines’… Read More Here

International Gold News in Brief

Ghana Arrests Three Indian Nationals Over Alleged Gold Smuggling Ring

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025 Constance

Ghanaian authorities have arrested three Indian nationals accused of smuggling gold out of the country for the past ten years, according to a statement from the Ghana Gold Board. The suspects, aged 42, 35, and 22, were apprehended at their private residence in Kumasi, the country’s second-largest city, following a tip-off. During the raid, officials seized 4.36 kilograms of gold, 1.9 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $133,333), 4,500 Indian rupees, two currency counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport. Ghana, Africa’s leading gold producer, saw its gold exports surge… Read More Here

Copper Corporate News Mining in Zambia News in Brief

Sinomine Targets 2026 Copper Production at Zambia’s Kitumba Mine

April 17, 2025April 17, 2025 Constance

Sinomine Resource Group has announced plans to begin copper production at its Kitumba Copper Mine in Zambia’s Central Province by September 2026. The update was shared in a company WeChat post on Thursday. Located in the Mumbwa district, the project is expected to receive an investment of $560 million. On Monday, Sinomine commenced stripping operations, which involve the removal of surface soil and rock to access the ore body. This marks a key milestone in the development of the project, which is set to contribute significantly to Zambia’s copper output… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News News in Brief

Vedanta CEO Visits KCM to Strengthen Commitment to Mine’s Future

March 5, 2025March 5, 2025 Constance

Vedanta Resources Group CEO, Deshnee Naidoo, visited Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) operations in Chingola and Chililabombwe last week to gain firsthand insight into the mine’s operations. Her visit follows her recent appointment to lead Vedanta’s expansion projects. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Vedanta Base Metals CEO Christopher Griffith, KCM Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Mewett, and other senior officials, Naidoo’s visit reaffirmed Vedanta’s strong commitment to the future of KCM and its strategic growth plans. Read More Here

Mining in Zambia News in Brief

Zambia’s Mines Minister Dismisses Claims of Copper and Gold in Lusaka’s Chunga Compound

March 5, 2025March 5, 2025 Constance

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul C. Kabuswe, has confirmed that there is no evidence of copper or gold in Lusaka’s Chunga Compound, where residents have been digging in search of minerals. A detailed investigation by the Geological Survey Department revealed that the mineral present at the site is primarily iron ore, specifically magnetite. However, the assessment determined that the deposit is not economically viable for extraction by individuals, cooperatives, or small-scale miners. Hon. Kabuswe urged the public to halt all mining activities in the area, emphasizing that… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia News in Brief

Zambia Launches ZIMIS to Enhance Mining License Management and Support Growth

February 27, 2025February 27, 2025 Constance

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development of Zambia has unveiled the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS), a cutting-edge digital platform designed to improve efficiency and transparency in mining license management. ZIMIS replaces the former Cadastre System and aims to streamline the process of issuing mining rights, directly supporting Zambia’s ambitious target of reaching 3.1 million tons of annual copper production by 2031. In line with ongoing compliance monitoring efforts, ZIMIS also supports the repossession of over 1,000 non-compliant licenses in 2024, which will be reallocated in 2025, opening… Read More Here

International Mergers & Acquisitions News in Brief

Fortescue Secures 90% Stake in Red Hawk Mining, Moves to Full Acquisition

February 23, 2025February 23, 2025 Constance

ASX-listed Fortescue has acquired a 90.09% stake in Red Hawk Mining through its wholly owned subsidiary, FMG Pilbara, triggering a compulsory acquisition process for the remaining shares. In a market notice issued on Tuesday, Fortescue confirmed that it had initiated compulsory acquisition proceedings for the remaining Red Hawk shares. As a result, the ASX will suspend Red Hawk’s shares on February 25, with delisting to follow at a later date. Red Hawk shareholders who have not yet accepted Fortescue’s A$1.20-per-share offer still have time to do so before the offer… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy News in Brief Silver Ore

Silver Prices Rise in the DRC Amid Growing Global Demand

February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 Constance

The price of silver, a key export mineral for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rose by 3.03% between February 10 and 15, 2025, reaching USD 1.02 per gram, up from USD 0.99 the previous week, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade. The increase reflects growing industrial demand, particularly in green technologies and electronics, where silver plays a crucial role. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and currency fluctuations have reinforced silver’s status as a safe-haven asset. As Africa’s leading silver producer, the DRC stands to benefit from higher prices through… Read More Here