Tin - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Rising Tin and Gold Prices Signal Economic Boost for the DRC

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), whose economy heavily depends on raw material exports, received a positive boost this week as tin prices saw a 0.92% increase on the international market. According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade, tin is now trading at $29,533.75 per tonne, up from $29,264.00 the previous week. Additionally, gold prices also rose, climbing from $77.25 to $78.58 per gram as of August 12. These price increases come after a period of relative stability in the international markets. Given the DRC’s reliance on mining exports, such… Read More Here

Gold Mining in DRC Regional conflict Tin

UN Warns Companies of Sanctions Over Conflict Minerals from Central Africa

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 Constance

Companies sourcing metals from central Africa may face UN sanctions for indirectly supporting the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a report by UN experts. The report highlights that Congo’s trade in gold, tin, and tantalum, a critical mineral used in portable electronics, directly funds armed groups involved in severe human rights abuses. This trade fuels one of the world’s deadliest conflicts. Over the past year, multiple armed groups have taken control of Rubaya, one of the world’s largest tantalum ore sites in Congo, rendering… Read More Here

International Tin

Andrada Mining Sees Production Surge Amid Strategic Expansion Plans

June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 Constance

Andrada Mining, listed on AIM and operating in Namibia, has marked a significant 14% quarter-on-quarter increase in saleable tantalum concentrate production to 9 tonnes for the first quarter of its 2025 financial year. This growth is part of the company’s latest operational update released on June 21, which also highlighted positive developments across its tin production and operational efficiency. During the quarter ended May 31, Andrada processed 237,976 tonnes of ore, up from 217,189 tonnes in the same period last year, reflecting a proactive approach to scaling operations. Tin concentrate… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Tin

DRC Lawyers Pursue Apple Over Alleged 3T Mineral Laundering

May 22, 2024May 27, 2024 Constance

Lawyers representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have secured government approval to explore legal avenues against tech giant Apple. The case centers on the alleged laundering of critical minerals—tin, tantalum, and tungsten—through Rwanda and private entities within Apple’s supply chain. Led by Robert Amsterdam (Amsterdam and Partners LLP, Washington DC) and William Bourdon (Bourdon et Associés, Paris), the DRC legal team claims to possess compelling evidence related to these so-called “blood” minerals. Whistleblowers have stepped forward, corroborating existing information about Apple’s operations in the DRC. The lawyers express concern… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Coltan Regional conflict Tin

Opposition Leader Martin Fayulu Accuses Rwandan Army of Collusion with M23 in Rubaya

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024 Constance

Opposition figure Martin Fayulu has condemned the presence of the Rwandan army alongside M23 militants in the mining town of Rubaya, located in the Masisi territory of North Kivu province. Fayulu, expressing his criticism via his X account, accused the Rwandan M23 army of controlling Rubaya, suggesting Rwanda’s increased access to Congolese coltan. Amidst this, Fayulu highlighted the plight of Congolese citizens affected by floods in Kalemie and Uvira, denouncing the government’s apparent lack of assistance and expenditure on unnecessary trips. Rubaya, known for its rich mineral resources including coltan,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Coltan Regional conflict Tin

M23 Rebels Seize Control of Coltan Mining Town in Eastern DRC

May 2, 2024May 2, 2024 Constance

M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have captured Rubaya, a vital mining town known for its coltan reserves, following days of intense conflict, according to a rebel spokesperson. Eastern Congo has endured violence since the 1990s, fueled by struggles over identity, ethnicity, and resources, resulting in millions of deaths and the emergence of numerous armed groups. Willy Ngoma, the spokesperson for the Tutsi-led M23 militia, stated that they had taken control of Rubaya in North Kivu province after confronting other armed factions, including the Forces for the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Economy Gold Tin

Rwanda’s Mining Exports to UAE Surpass DRC’s by 7% in 2023

April 28, 2024April 28, 2024 Constance

In 2023, the Rwanda Development Board reported a significant milestone for the country, with foreign exports reaching $3.5 billion, marking a remarkable 17.2% growth compared to 2020. This growth, according to the government institution tasked with accelerating Rwanda’s economic development, stemmed from the export of various raw materials, including raw gold, platinum-plated gold, zirconium, tin, and tungsten. Additionally, essential products like malt, wheat or meslin flour, cereal flours, coffee, tea, and cement contributed to this upward trend. The United Arab Emirates emerged as the primary importer, accounting for 56.9% of… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Tin

DRC Raises Concerns with Apple Over Alleged Use of Conflict Minerals

April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has conveyed apprehensions to Apple Inc. regarding the potential presence of conflict minerals sourced from the country within the tech giant’s supply chain. International lawyers representing the Congolese state submitted inquiries to Apple on April 22, expressing concerns about the origin of minerals like tin, tungsten, and tantalum, collectively known as 3T minerals, as reported by Bloomberg. This development follows a recent US court ruling that cleared several tech companies, including Apple, of child labor charges in cobalt mines across Africa. In a statement… Read More Here

Mining in Uganda Mineral Processing Tin

Uganda to open its first tin refining facility next month

April 21, 2024April 21, 2024 Constance

Uganda is set to launch the country’s first tin refining plant in the south-western region next month, Reuters reported. The move is expected to support the country’s efforts to expand its mineral processing capacity. This plant is owned by Uganda-based mining and mineral trading company Woodcross Resources The establishment of the tin refining facility aligns with President Yoweri Museveni’s strategy to maximise the benefits of Uganda’s mineral exports, according to the news agency. The country, which already hosts several gold refineries, is expanding its mineral processing capabilities. Recently, Chinese-backed Sunbird… Read More Here

Mining in Uganda Tin

Uganda Set to Inaugurate First Tin Refining Plant

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024 Constance

Uganda is poised to inaugurate its inaugural tin refining facility in the southwestern region next month, signaling a significant step towards expanding capacity and enhancing domestic value addition to its mineral resources, according to a senior official from the mining ministry. President Yoweri Museveni’s administration aims to capitalize on the advantages of exporting minerals to the East African nation, where several gold refineries are already operational. Recently, Chinese-backed Sunbird Resources secured a license to mine limestone for cement production, further highlighting Uganda’s commitment to maximizing its mineral resources. Irene Bateebe,… Read More Here