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Rio Tinto to spend $350m on Argentine lithium plant 1 International Lithium 

Rio Tinto to spend $350m on Argentine lithium plant

Constance
Global mining company Rio Tinto has earmarked $350m for its Rincon lithium project in Argentina, Reuters reported. The move underscores the company’s commitment to commencing production by the end of the year. This development comes after Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm recently visited the site, highlighting the strategic importance of the investment. Stausholm was quoted by the news agency as saying: “The hard work of our Rincon team is laying the groundwork for our first lithium production by year’s end.” In 2022, Rio Tinto acquired the Rincon project from Rincon… Read More Here
EU grants final approval to Critical Raw Minerals Act 2 International Battery Metals 

EU grants final approval to Critical Raw Minerals Act

Constance
The EU Council has given final approval to its Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) as it looks to diversify away from Chinese supply chain dominance. Final approval is the last stage in the process to formally implement the act. The final text, officially adopted on Monday, identifies two lists of materials 34 critical and 17 strategic – that are crucial for the green and digital transitions, as well as the defence and space industries, the Council said in a press statement. The act, first proposed at the end of 2022… Read More Here
Western Interest Grows in Congolese Minerals as China Strengthens Ties 3 Mining in DRC Battery Metals Cobalt Lithium 

Western Interest Grows in Congolese Minerals as China Strengthens Ties

Constance
In recent years, Western nations, particularly the European Union and the United States, have shown a heightened interest in the abundant reserves of cobalt and lithium present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recognizing the DRC’s significance in the global energy transition, these Western powers have intensified efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical mineral supplies, leading to a strategic repositioning in the region. This renewed focus prompted the DRC to seek a renegotiation of its 2008 agreement with the Chinese Enterprise Group, aiming for more favorable terms.… Read More Here
DRC to Invest $7 Billion from Chinese Contract Revisit in Road Infrastructure 4 Mining in DRC Infrastructural Development 

DRC to Invest $7 Billion from Chinese Contract Revisit in Road Infrastructure

Constance
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) aims to address its significant road infrastructure deficit by investing the entire $7 billion secured through renegotiating the SICOMINES contract with China. Freddy Yodi Shembo, Director General of the Agency for Steering, Coordination, and Monitoring of Collaboration Agreements, highlighted this strategy during a press briefing alongside Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya Katembwe on March 19, 2024. Shembo emphasized that while the funds may not cover the entire road network, priority would be given to integrative projects that enhance connectivity and foster development across the country.… Read More Here
Revitalized Sino-Congolese Program Promises Rigorous Oversight and Expertise 5 Mining in DRC Copper 

Revitalized Sino-Congolese Program Promises Rigorous Oversight and Expertise

Constance
Following a prolonged period of inactivity, the revitalization of the Sino-Congolese program sets a new pace, emphasizing expertise and rigorous oversight to avoid past mistakes. Freddy Yodi Shembo, Director General of the Agency for steering, coordination, and monitoring of collaboration agreements between the DRC and private partners (APCSC), emphasized the importance of expertise in all project activities during a press briefing organized by the Minister of Communication and Media on March 19, 2024. Shembo highlighted the APCSC’s commitment to permanent and meticulous control, utilizing the expertise of the Congolese Agency… Read More Here
Governor Christophe Nangaa salutes the prowess of the ARSP in his province 6 Mining in DRC Governance 

Governor Christophe Nangaa salutes the prowess of the ARSP in his province

Constance
In Haut-Uélé’s town of Doko, Miguel Kashal, Director General of the Regulatory Authority for the control of subcontracting in the private sector (ARSP), met with Governor Christophe Nangaa Baseane to discuss subcontracting and ARSP’s initiatives. Governor Baseane expressed full support for Kashal’s efforts to involve local entrepreneurs in Kibali Gold mining’s value chain, a subsidiary of the Barrick Group. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that subcontracting benefits the province and its residents. In response, Kashal highlighted the importance of transparency and ensuring that the local population benefits from the… Read More Here
Barrick Opens Academy at Closed Buzwagi Mine 7 Gold International Press Release 

Barrick Opens Academy at Closed Buzwagi Mine

Constance
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) has officially opened its world class training academy at the old Buzwagi mine, in line with Barrick’s mine closure objective of leaving a positive legacy after mining has finished. Launched today, the Barrick Academy is designed to offer tailor-made training programs aimed at developing Barrick’s frontline managers to grow both as individuals and as leaders in their fields, while equipping them with the skills to manage their teams more effectively and to improve performance. The Barrick Academy will be training more than 2,000 foremen, supervisors and… Read More Here
DRC Diamond Exports Reach $86.5 Million in 2023 8 Mining in DRC Diamond Economy 

DRC Diamond Exports Reach $86.5 Million in 2023

Constance
In 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) achieved significant diamond exports totaling around 8,305,796 carats, generating approximately $86.5 million in revenue. Artisanal operations dominated the sector, contributing 6,671,325 carats and $64.2 million, while industrial production lagged behind with 1,634,470 carats and $22.2 million. The Arab Emirates emerged as the largest buyer, accounting for 56% of the total exports, followed by Belgium and the EU with 41%, and India with a modest 2%. Despite these figures, the DRC saw a decline in diamond exports compared to the previous five years,… Read More Here
Zijin's Dispute with AVZ Over Manono Project Stake Heads to DRC Court 9 Mining in DRC Lithium 

Zijin’s Dispute with AVZ Over Manono Project Stake Heads to DRC Court

Constance1 Comment
A legal dispute between a subsidiary of Zijin Mining, a Chinese mining giant, and Australia’s AVZ Minerals over a stake in the Manono lithium-and-tin project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will now be adjudicated by a DRC court, following a decision by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration. Zijin Mining announced today that the ICC has ruled it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case between Jincheng Mining and AVZ, based in Fujian province. The dispute arose after AVZ failed to recognize Zijin Mining’s acquisition of… Read More Here
ZESCO Negotiates Increased Electricity Imports from Mozambique 10 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy News in Brief 

ZESCO Negotiates Increased Electricity Imports from Mozambique

Constance
Zambian Energy Minister Peter Kapala announced negotiations between ZESCO and Mozambique’s EDM to increase electricity imports to 120 MW. Currently, Zambia imports 50 to 90 MW from Mozambique and plans to boost it to meet demand. This move, however, will result in a revenue loss of $110 million. Last October, EDM agreed to resume electricity sales to Zambia under a contract potentially reaching 250 MW. The agreement includes firm sales of 50 MW during off-peak hours and an additional 200 MW on a non-firm basis. Additionally, both parties renewed an… Read More Here

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