DRC Mines Minister Pushes for Stronger Geological Expertise and Sector Reform
Democratic Republic of Congo Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba visited the National Geological Survey and the CEEC on April 14, 2026, urging a shift toward Congolese geologists to deepen mineral exploration. He highlighted reforms aimed at boosting transparency, traceability, and oversight of artisanal mining while promoting local processing of resources. The minister also called for a results‑driven administrative culture rooted in patriotism, integrity, and merit‑based performance. The visit signals a renewed governmental focus on technical expertise as a cornerstone of the country’s mining strategy.
Ivanhoe Mines Sees Strong Local Demand for Sulphuric Acid in DRC Amid Global Supply Tightness
Ivanhoe Mines has begun commercial sales of sulphuric acid, a copper‑processing by‑product, to other miners along the Democratic Republic of Congo’s copper belt. The company produced just over 100,000 tonnes in Q1 and expects output to climb to 600,000‑700,000 tonnes...
India–Zambia Critical Minerals Talks Stall Over Mining Rights Uncertainty
India and Zambia’s joint effort to explore cobalt and copper has hit a standstill after Lusaka failed to provide formal assurances on future mining rights. Zambia had earmarked roughly 9,000 square kilometres for Indian geologists, who have already returned with...
Zambia Secures $1.5bn Energy Investment to Expand Power Generation Capacity
Zambia has secured a US $1.5 billion investment from China Machinery Engineering Corporation to build a 900‑megawatt power mix of coal, solar and wind plants. The deal is part of a broader push to raise the nation’s installed capacity to 10 GW by...
DRC Central Bank Receives First Refined Gold Ingots Under New Reserve-Building Programme
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s central bank has received its first batch of refined gold ingots, marking the launch of a state‑led reserve‑building programme. The delivery follows a February contract between the central bank and DRC Gold Trading SA,...
Yahua Secures Lithium Export Quota From Zimbabwe After Suspension
China’s Yahua Industrial Group secured a six‑month lithium export quota from Zimbabwe, allowing it to resume shipments from its Kamativi mine after a two‑month suspension. The quota is intended to keep production stable while Zimbabwe shifts to a quota‑based system...
Andrada Mining Reports Strong Tungsten, Copper and Tin Recoveries at Brandberg West
Andrada Mining announced that test work at Namibia's Brandberg West project achieved up to 91% tungsten recovery, 94% tin recovery and a 90% mass reduction. Grade improvements were dramatic, with tungsten rising from 0.24% to 1.45%, copper from 0.73% to...
Zambia Secures Strategic Partnership in Jiangsu to Boost Chinese Investment
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has signed a strategic partnership with the Jiangsu Industrial Cooperation Association, gaining free office space and staffing support for a new representative office in Nanjing. The deal taps into Jiangsu’s network of over 5,000 enterprises,...
Zambia Positions Itself as a Strategic Hub for Global Copper Investment
Zambia’s ambassador to China urged global investors to help the country reach its goal of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2030. The appeal was made at the 21st Copper Industry Conference and Expo 2026, highlighting Zambia’s high‑grade reserves, stable,...
DRC Launches RN1 Upgrade to Boost Trade Corridor with Angola and Open Up Kasai Region
On April 5, 2026 the Democratic Republic of the Congo launched a $175 million upgrade of National Road 1 (RN1) between Kananga and the Kakangayi River, a 137.5‑kilometre stretch split into three contract lots. The project, financed by a $69.8 million African Development...
Zambia to Establish New Gold Marketing Centres to Formalise Mineral Trade and Boost Transparency
Zambia’s Ministry of Mines announced that four new gold marketing centres will be built in Lusangazi, Chisamba, Mpika and a second facility in Mumbwa by the end of 2026. The centres will provide regulated outlets for artisanal and small‑scale miners...
DRC Expands Solar Power Capacity with Major 120 MWp Renewable Energy Deal in Lualaba
Democratic Republic of the Congo’s National Agency for Rural Electrification and Energy Services (ANSER) signed a strategic agreement with Propav Infrastructure Limited to build two solar farms in Lualaba province, delivering a combined 120 MWp of capacity. The sites—55.4 MWp at Kyamasumba...
UAE’s IRH Expands Presence in DRC Copper and Cobalt Sector Amid Strategic Mining Deals
International Resources Holding (IRH), the UAE‑backed mining arm of International Holding Company, is being linked to new copper and cobalt projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Lualaba province. The Kabulungu deposit is now run by a 60‑40 joint venture...
ZDA Approves US$600,000 Export Fund to Boost Youth Businesses and Local Mining Supply Chains
The Zambia Development Agency approved a US$600,000 loan facility under the Zambia Export Development Fund to boost non‑traditional exports. US$400,000 is earmarked for youth‑led export firms, while US$200,000 targets SMEs that supply the mining sector. The fund, co‑managed with the...
Bezant Resources Reports Sevenfold Increase in Hope Open-Pit Mineral Resource in Namibia
Bezant Resources announced a seven‑fold increase in the Hope open‑pit mineral resource in Namibia, lifting the estimate to over 3 million tonnes from 410,000 tonnes. The new Mineral Resource Estimate reduces the strip ratio to 9:1 and extends the immediate life‑of‑mine...
Angola to Launch First Gold Refinery as Part of Economic Diversification Strategy
Angola will commission its first gold refinery in the first half of 2026, located in Viana near Luanda, with a processing capacity of about 20 kg per day. Construction and equipment installation are complete, and the plant is now in the...
DRC Strengthens Energy Sovereignty with New Oil Infrastructure Contracts
On April 8, 2026 the Democratic Republic of Congo signed oil infrastructure operating contracts between state‑owned SEP Congo SA and the National Company for the Management of Oil Infrastructure (ENGIP‑RDC SA). The agreements, endorsed by Ministers Julie Shiku and Acacia...
DRC Mining Exports Show Upward Trend Amid Rising Copper, Cobalt, and Gold Prices
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s key mining exports are seeing price gains in early 2026, with copper trading at $12,143 per ton, gold at $150.65 per gram, and cobalt at $55,607 per ton. Production remains robust, highlighted by 3.5 million...
Special Flat-Rate Tax Generated Nearly 20% of DRC Mining Revenues in 2023 Before Tax Reform
In 2023 the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Special Flat‑Rate Tax delivered roughly $1.1 billion, representing 19.54% of the nation’s mining‑sector revenues. Total mining receipts reached $5.61 billion, while import duties, royalties and collection notices together contributed another $1.8 billion. Extractive industries overall...
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...
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,...