Transport and Logistics - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia, Tanzania, and China Sign Agreement to Revitalize TAZARA Railway 1

President Hakainde Hichilema has signed a historic agreement with his Tanzanian and Chinese counterparts to revitalize the TAZARA railway, a crucial step in boosting Zambia’s copper exports via Tanzania. This upgrade is expected to increase mining revenue and create jobs throughout the supply chain. The agreement was formalized during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, marking the most significant upgrade to the railway since its initial construction in the 1970s, a joint effort by Chinese Premier Mao Zedong and Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda. The TAZARA line connects Zambia’s… Read More Here

DBSA Approves $200M for US-Backed Lobito Rail to Boost African Mineral Exports

September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 Constance

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has approved up to $200 million in financing for the Lobito Corridor rail project, a US-backed initiative aimed at transporting critical minerals from Central Africa’s Copperbelt to the Atlantic port in Angola. Mpho Mokwele, DBSA’s Executive for Transacting, emphasized the project’s importance in supporting the global energy transition by facilitating the export of minerals essential for renewable energy technologies. “The Lobito Corridor is set to become the most competitive route for exporting these minerals, offering significant cost and time savings for exporters,” Mokwele… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Transport and Logistics

US sees bipartisan backing for Africa critical minerals plan

September 1, 2024September 1, 2024 Constance

A senior US State Department official reassured African governments that an initiative to help counter China’s influence through developing infrastructure on the continent will continue even after a change in administration. The flagship of the plan — a railway project known as the Lobito corridor that connects copper and cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo to an Atlantic port in Angola — is already far advanced, Helaina Matza, acting special coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, told reporters on Wednesday. “In many ways, there’s a… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

Southern Africa’s Railways Surge with Global Investment Amid Copper Boom

August 25, 2024August 25, 2024 Constance

Southern Africa’s railways are garnering international attention and attracting billions of dollars in investment, driven by the race to secure copper supplies essential for the energy transition. From Angola on the west coast to Tanzania on the east, governments and investors are poised to revive long-neglected rail lines and construct new ones. This surge in demand is largely fueled by the central African copperbelt shared by Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We’re at a historic turning point,” said Babe Botana, Executive Director of the Southern African Railways Association.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Angola Copper Mining in Zambia Transport and Logistics

Copper exports from DRC to the US begin via Lobito Atlantic Railway

August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 Constance

The first US-bound copper shipment from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) via the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) has been successfully loaded. The cargo of copper cathodes, destined for Baltimore, was transported by train to Angola’s port of Lobito on August 19, according to global commodities trader Trafigura Group, part of the consortium holding the railway concession. This shipment follows earlier deliveries to European and Far Eastern ports since the Lobito Atlantic Railway began operating the concession in January 2023. LAR, a joint venture backed by Trafigura, Portuguese construction… Read More Here

Transport and Logistics Copper

Train Derailment on Angola’s Lobito Corridor Disrupts Copper and Sulfur Transport

August 16, 2024August 16, 2024 Constance

A train derailment on Angola’s Lobito Corridor has disrupted the transportation of key commodities, including copper concentrates, the railway operator reported on Today. The Lobito Corridor is a crucial trade route connecting the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Angola’s Lobito port on the Atlantic Ocean. This corridor holds strategic importance for the United States and the European Union, both of which are seeking greater access to the minerals essential for the global shift to cleaner energy technologies. The derailment occurred on Thursday between the Cavimbe and Cangumbe stations… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

Zambia and DRC Resolve Trade Dispute, Reopen Border to Restore Commerce

August 15, 2024August 19, 2024 Constance

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to reopen their shared border on Monday after resolving a trade dispute that led to its closure over the weekend. In a joint statement, the commerce ministers of both nations announced, “The Zambian party informed the Congolese party that the border will be reopened to allow the free movement of people and goods between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Zambia.” The agreement followed a meeting between Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Angola Transport and Logistics

Angola-Zambia Road Project to Boost Trade and Economy in Eastern Angola

July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 Constance

Economists and business leaders in Lunda-Norte believe that the construction of a road connecting Angola and Zambia, part of the Lobito Corridor initiative, will significantly enhance the flow of goods and services between Angola’s eastern provinces and the country’s coast. The project involves constructing an approximately 800-kilometer road from Lobito (Benguela) to Luau (Moxico) on the Angolan side. companies, including a consortium like SIbitech and Queiroz Galvão, as well as AFAVIAS, are involved in the construction. José Cangolo, an economist and professor at the Faculty of Economics of Dundo (Lueji… Read More Here

International Transport and Logistics

Lobito Atlantic Railway receives its first vessel at the Port of Lobito mineral terminal

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 arnbethnic

Lobito, Angola, 15 July 2024 – The first vessel has docked at the mineral terminal of the Port of Lobito, operated by the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) consortium, the concession holder for the operation, management and maintenance of the railway linking Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The MV Lindsaylou, a bulk cargo vessel loaded with 40,500 tonnes of sulphur, docked on Friday 12 July, marking the beginning of port operations for LAR. The vessel was loaded in Qatar and arrived in Lobito after a journey of around a… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Mining in DRC Transport and Logistics

Beira Corridor Drives Expansion in Southern Africa’s Cold Chain Logistics

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 Constance

The cold chain logistics industry in Southern Africa has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increased capacity and investment. Marco Grobbelaar, General Manager of Independent Beira Logistics Terminals and Services (IBLT&S), highlights that the Beira corridor has particularly experienced a notable rise in traffic. This expansion is attributed to several key factors, including competitive landside operations and lower ocean freight rates compared to surrounding ports. A major contributor to this surge is the rising import volumes of fertilizers, which are essential for boosting logistical activities in the region.… Read More Here