DRC’s Heavy Reliance on Mining Revenues Highlights Urgent Need for Economic Diversification
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s state budget remains heavily anchored to the extractive sector, which supplied roughly $5.85 billion—about 60% of total revenues—in 2023. Mining alone accounted for 96% of those extractive earnings, delivering approximately $5.6 billion, while oil contributed just $234 million. This concentration leaves public finances vulnerable to swings in global copper and cobalt prices, threatening funding for critical infrastructure and social programs. Economists stress that diversifying into agriculture, manufacturing, and services is essential to stabilize revenue streams.
U.S. Backs Lobito Corridor Concession as Strategic Project in Partnership with DRC
The United States has designated the Mota‑Engil concession for the Congolese segment of the Lobito Corridor as a priority project under its strategic partnership with the DRC. The corridor aims to route 50% of copper, 30% of cobalt and 90%...
DRC Govt Moves to Strengthen Gold Sector Governance and Combat Smuggling
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa announced a sweeping reform package to improve gold traceability, boost state revenue, and curb smuggling in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A technical working group has drafted revisions to the national traceability manual and to the...
Jubilee Updates Molefe Mine Plan to Boost Copper Production and Efficiency in Zambia
Jubilee Holdings has released an updated near‑term mine plan for its Molefe operation in Zambia, integrating pits 2 and 3 into a single open‑pit and targeting over 15,000 tonnes of ore per month to the Sable refinery. The plan introduces automated ore sorting...
Lindian Resources Secures $100 Million to Advance Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi
Australian ASX‑listed Lindian Resources has secured $100 million to fund the first stage of its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi. The high‑grade deposit, rich in dysprosium and terbium, is slated to begin production in 2026 and will be developed debt‑free,...
West African Resources Forecasts Record Gold Production in 2026 Driven by Kiaka and Sanbrado Mines
West African Resources projects 2026 gold output of 430,000‑490,000 ounces, driven by the Kiaka and Sanbrado mines. Kiaka is expected to deliver 240,000‑280,000 ounces while Sanbrado adds 190,000‑210,000 ounces. The company targets an all‑in sustaining cost below $1,900 per ounce,...
DRC Diamond Exports Reach $67 Million in 2025, Driven Largely by Artisanal Mining
The Democratic Republic of Congo exported roughly $67 million worth of diamonds in 2025, equivalent to over 9 million carats. Artisanal miners produced 85% of the country’s diamonds, generating about $54 million in export revenue, while industrial mining contributed just $13 million. The industrial...
Prospect Resources Confirms Expanding Copper System at West Mwombezhi in Zambia
Prospect Resources Limited announced final assay results from Phase 2 diamond drilling at the West Mwombezhi prospect in Zambia’s Mumbezhi Copper Project, confirming a continuous near‑surface copper sulphide system extending over one kilometre along strike. Intersections include 8.9 m at 0.78 % Cu...
Chile’s Copper Production Falls to Nine-Year Low, Highlighting Global Supply Pressures
Chile reported its lowest monthly copper output in almost nine years, producing 378,554 metric tons in February 2026 – an 8.5% decline from January and 4.8% lower than a year earlier. The drop marks the smallest monthly figure since a...
Botswana Minerals Launches Phase 1 Exploration Programme at Ngamiland Copper Licences
Botswana Minerals has kicked off a Phase 1 exploration programme across its Ngamiland copper licences, part of the under‑explored north‑eastern extension of the Damara Belt. The effort focuses on refining and ranking the most promising targets while establishing a geophysical survey...
Hichilema Urges Greater Energy Investment as Reforms Drive Zambia’s Growth Agenda
President Hakainde Hichilema urged greater private investment in Zambia’s energy sector, highlighting reforms that are attracting capital and accelerating the country’s push toward a 10 GW power generation target. He said the restructuring of state utility ZESCO and the work of...
DRC and Canada Strengthen Trade and Investment Partnership
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Canada deepened their trade partnership during a WTO ministerial meeting, announcing plans for a joint DRC‑Canada Economic Forum. Both sides highlighted private‑sector collaboration to boost bilateral trade and diversify the DRC’s economy. Canada pledged...
DRC, Zambia, and Tanzania Move to Modernize Southern Central Corridor
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Tanzania have signed off on feasibility studies to modernise the southern segment of the Central Corridor, the key trade artery linking Dar es Salaam port to regional mining hubs. The project, backed by...
Uganda’s Merchandise Exports Surge 72% Driven by Gold and Coffee
Uganda’s merchandise exports jumped 72% year‑over‑year, reaching $1.45 billion in January 2026. The surge was driven primarily by a 182% rise in gold shipments, which alone generated $914 million, and strong coffee earnings. The country posted a $147 million trade surplus for the...
Middle East Tensions Disrupt Zimbabwe’s Gold Exports
Zimbabwe's gold exports are being hit by Middle East tensions that have disrupted key shipping routes. The United Arab Emirates, which accounts for 45% of Zimbabwe's gold export revenue, is affected as the Strait of Hormuz closure forces vessels around...
EGC and Mercuria Partner to Transform Kasulo Into Benchmark for Responsible Cobalt Mining
Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Mercuria Energy Trading have signed a memorandum of understanding to transform the Kasulo artisanal cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo into a global benchmark for responsible mining. The partners will work with...
Reopened Mines Power Economic Recovery in Zambia’s Copperbelt
Zambia’s government has reopened previously closed mines in the Copperbelt, reigniting a sector that drives most of the country’s export earnings. The revival has created thousands of direct jobs and spurred indirect employment in transport, engineering and services, while prompting...
SADC REGIONAL PORTS CONFIRM PARTICIPATION IN LANDLINKED ZAMBIA 2026
Land‑linked Zambia 2026 has secured participation from all six key SADC ports—Beira, Dar es Salaam, Durban, Lobito, Nacala and Walvis Bay—signaling a major push toward multimodal connectivity. Zambia’s goal of producing 3 million metric tonnes of copper by 2031 will place...
Zambia Development Agency Signs Landmark MoU with Imbono to Boost Investment and Job Creation
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and global investor Imbono have signed a landmark MoU to channel large‑scale investment into Zambia’s priority sectors. Imbono pledged to invest roughly $2 billion annually across Southern Africa, with a substantial share earmarked for Zambia’s infrastructure,...
DRC Ministry of Mines Revokes Multiple Mining Titles for Non-Compliance
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Mines has cancelled twelve mining titles that were issued in 2026 after the holders failed to meet legal and financial obligations, chiefly the non‑payment of annual surface fees. The revocations affect a...
Mixed Fortunes for DRC Minerals as Copper, Gold, and Tin Prices Decline While Tantalum Gains
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s weekly mineral price bulletin for March 23‑28 2026 shows a broad slide in several key exports, with copper falling to $12,718 per tonne and gold dropping to $164 per kilogram. Zinc, tin, silver and nickel also...
Makor Resources Launches Zambia Expansion with $30 Million Copper Exploration Strategy
Makor Resources announced the launch of its Zambia expansion, committing US$2‑3 million this year and planning US$20‑30 million over the next few years to explore district‑scale copper assets. The portfolio covers five key corridors—Kasempa, Mkushi, Mumbwa, Kitwe and Ndola—aligned with Zambia’s goal...
Rome Resources Reports Strong Tin Intercepts at Kalayi Prospect, Expanding Resource Potential
Rome Resources announced its latest drilling at the Kalayi prospect in the Bisie North project, delivering the widest tin intercept to date. Hole KBDD033 returned a 20‑metre interval averaging 1 % tin, while nearby holes KBDD032 and KBDD025 showed 5 metres at...
EU Launches Trade and Digital Skills Projects to Strengthen the Lobito Corridor
The European Union has committed €11 million (about $12 million) to two development projects along the Lobito Corridor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A €6 million trade‑facilitation programme will streamline customs and regulatory procedures, while a €5 million digital‑skills initiative will train...
Kakobola Hydropower Plant Commissioned to Expand Electricity Access in Kwilu Province
The Democratic Republic of the Congo inaugurated the 10.5 MW Kakobola run‑of‑river hydropower plant in Kwilu Province, under President Félix Tshisekedi’s patronage. The facility connects Kikwit, Gungu and Idiofa, extending reliable electricity to more than 400,000 residents. Integrated generation, transmission and...
KCM’s Copper Grade A “REC” Brand Reinstated by LME After Responsible Minerals Audit
London Metal Exchange has reinstated Konkola Copper Mines’ Grade A “REC” copper brand after an independent Responsible Minerals Initiative audit. The audit verified KCM’s full compliance with international responsible sourcing, transparency and due‑diligence standards. Acting CEO Malcolm Mewett called the decision...
MMG Kinsevere Strengthens University Partnerships to Support Mining Sector Transformation in the DRC
MMG Kinsevere joined the third Industry University Forum alongside Gécamines, KCC, Mutanda Mining and KICO to discuss the DRC mining sector’s shift toward sulfide ore processing and advanced technologies. The company highlighted the transition’s demand for higher‑level engineering skills and...
DRC’s Power Demand Boom Underscores Need for Massive Energy Investment
Electricity consumption in the Democratic Republic of the Congo jumped 18.2% in 2024, outpacing a 0.4% dip in generation caused by a technical shutdown at the Inga II hydropower plant. The surge reflects expanding industrial activity, especially in the Maluku Special...
Zambia Railways Secures Financial Advisor to Drive $60 Million Infrastructure Upgrade
Zambia Railways Limited has hired Pangaea Securities as transaction advisor to raise US$60 million from development finance institutions and private investors, supplementing a €50 million European Union grant. The financing underpins Phase 1 of a US$113 million rail‑modernisation programme that will upgrade tracks, signalling...
Copper Intelligence Launches Drilling Program at Butembo Copper Project in DRC
Copper Intelligence, formerly African Discovery Group, has deployed an XY‑44 drill rig to begin a drilling campaign at its Butembo copper project in eastern DRC. The program, partnered with South Africa’s Gemdrill, targets depths up to 1,000 m to test the...
Zambia Launches Major Environmental Remediation at Sino-Metals After Tailings Dam Collapse
Zambia’s government has inaugurated a comprehensive environmental remediation program at Sino-Metals Leach Ltd following the February 2025 collapse of Tailings Dam No. 15, which polluted the Chambeshi, Mwambashi and Kafue rivers with acidic, heavy‑metal‑laden waste. A joint task force comprising ZEMA,...
President Hichilema Warns Against Fuel Hoarding Amid Global Energy Crisis
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema warned oil‑marketing firms that hoarding fuel creates artificial shortages, despite the country holding 30‑60 days of reserves. He linked the issue to the broader Middle East conflict that is tightening global energy supplies. The administration announced...
Tenke Fungurume Mining Rejects Environmental Report Findings
Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) rejected the Environmental Investigation Agency’s March 9 report, labeling its conclusions factually inaccurate and based on unsupported assumptions. TFM highlighted its dual monitoring framework—continuous active sensors combined with monthly passive assessments—and asserted that sulfur‑dioxide emissions stayed...
China Issues Advisory as Zimbabwe Restricts Lithium and Raw Mineral Exports
The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe issued an advisory warning its investors about new government restrictions on raw mineral exports, especially lithium concentrates. Zimbabwe’s policy aims to shift from exporting unprocessed ores to fostering domestic processing, adding value and creating jobs....
Rome Resources Reports High-Grade Tin Results at Kalayi Prospect in DRC
Rome Resources announced that its ongoing drilling program at the Kalayi prospect in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed near‑surface high‑grade tin mineralisation. The campaign has recovered roughly 2,700 m of core and produced intercepts such as 1 m grading...
DRC Moves to Approve Chemaf Sale to US Firm Virtus Minerals
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is poised to approve the sale of mining firm Chemaf to U.S.-based Virtus Minerals. Under the deal, Virtus will pay $30 million for equity and commit roughly $750 million to revive the stalled Mutoshi copper‑cobalt project,...
Zambia Strengthens Sustainable Gold Mining Through Landmark ZCCM-IH and planetGOLD Partnership
Zambia’s state‑owned ZCCM Investments Holdings has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UN‑backed planetGOLD Zambia Project to formalize the artisanal and small‑scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. The partnership will create a transparent off‑take system, introduce mercury‑free processing technologies, and...
Trafigura Partners with Venezuela’s Minerven to Launch Responsible Gold Sourcing Program
Trafigura has entered a pre‑payment agreement with Venezuela’s state‑run miner Minerven to purchase 650 kg to 1 ton of gold doré under a new responsible sourcing programme. The deal follows a U.S. Treasury licence that lifts sanctions on Minerven’s gold, allowing exports...
GLOBELEQ CONFIRMS ACQUISITION OF A MAJORITY STAKE IN ZAMBIA’S LUNSEMFWA HYDRO POWER COMPANY
Globeleq has completed the purchase of a 51% equity stake in Zambia’s Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, acquiring control of two hydro plants totaling 56 MW. The acquisition adds a hydro portfolio to Globeleq’s predominantly solar, wind and battery assets and opens...
Africa’s Critical Minerals Gain Strategic Importance as Global Demand Intensifies
Africa is emerging as a strategic source of rare earths and critical minerals as the United States seeks alternatives to China-dominated processing. The continent hosts vast deposits, including DRC cobalt, Zimbabwe lithium, and new rare‑earth projects in Namibia, Tanzania, and...
Declining Exploration Spending Threatens the Future of South Africa’s Mining Industry
South Africa's mineral exploration spending fell for the seventh consecutive year, dropping 5.3% in 2025 to 738 million rand (about $44 million) at constant 2015 prices. Over the past 30 years, total exploration investment has slumped more than 85%, signaling waning investor confidence....
Zambia to Allocate 8,000 Hectares at Kikonge Gold Site to Over 500 Artisanal Miners in Mufumbwe
Zambia’s Ministry of Mines will allocate roughly 8,000 hectares at the Kikonge gold site to more than 500 artisanal miners, organized into cooperatives. Each cooperative is slated to receive about six hectares, enabling regulated, government‑overseen mining. The move follows a...
DRC Seeks Stronger Investment Partnerships With Major Mining Companies
The Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a push to deepen partnerships with major miners Glencore, CMOC Group and Ivanhoe Mines. The government aims to spur additional capital spending, modernize facilities and lift mineral output amid copper production above 3 million...
Zambia Diesel Shortage Linked to Pipeline Supply Delays, NOMA Says
The National Oil Marketing Association (NOMA) says Zambia’s diesel shortage stems from delayed releases through the TAZAMA pipeline, not from oil marketers hoarding fuel. Diesel volumes entering the market have fallen short of expectations, and no allocation has been made...
Alphamin Boosts Tin Production to 18,576 Tonnes in 2025
Alphamin Resources reported a 7% rise in tin output for 2025, reaching 18,576 tonnes and aligning with its revised guidance. Despite a March security‑driven shutdown, the miner posted a pro‑forma annualized production rate of roughly 20,000 tonnes. EBITDA surged 25%...
Jubilee Metals Secures $1.8M Copper Feed Deal in Zambia
Jubilee Metals Group has agreed to purchase high‑grade copper ore for its Roan Concentrator in Zambia, a $1.8 million deal settled by issuing 29.76 million new shares at a 14.3% premium. The supplied ore averages 1.65% copper, which should improve recovery rates...
DRC Govt Reviews Oil Market Risks With Petroleum Distributors
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba met with the Professional Group of Petroleum Product Distributors on March 10, 2026 to assess global oil market volatility. The discussion focused on the recent Brent crude surge...
DRC and TotalEnergies Discuss Strategic Ruzizi III Hydropower Project
The Democratic Republic of Congo and TotalEnergies met in Kinshasa to review the Ruzizi III hydropower project, a 206‑megawatt plant slated to supply electricity to both the DRC and Burundi. Officials highlighted technical and administrative challenges that must be resolved to...
DRC Pushes for $1 Billion World Bank Financing to Accelerate Lobito Corridor Development
The Democratic Republic of Congo has asked the World Bank for about $1 billion to fund the Lobito Corridor, a trans‑regional transport link to the Angolan port of Lobito. Minister John Banza Lunda announced an ad‑hoc technical commission to finalize the...
ARSP Orders Cancellation of Irregular Subcontracting Contracts at Matadi Gateway Terminal
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Regulatory Authority for Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) ordered the cancellation of roughly fifty subcontracting contracts between Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT) and firms that were not registered under Congolese law. The audit, conducted in...
