Increasing Wave of Illegal Miners Resurfacing from North West Mineshaft

Nearly 600 illegal miners have resurfaced from a Stilfontein mineshaft in North West South Africa, following intensified police and South African Defence Force (SANDF) interventions aimed at curbing illegal mining activities. Many of these miners, who have spent over a year underground, primarily hail from neighboring countries like Mozambique and Lesotho, seeking better economic opportunities. Upon emerging, they are met by law enforcement officials who arrest them and provide basic necessities while awaiting legal processing. This situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the illegal mining crisis, as it poses significant humanitarian, legal, and socio-economic challenges for both the individuals involved and the broader community.

Kodal and Mali Government Sign MoU for Bougouni Lithium Project Transfer

Kodal Minerals has entered a binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malian government to finalize the transfer of the Bougouni lithium project mining license to Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (LMLB). This agreement follows a $117.5 million investment from Hainan Group and is governed by the 2023 Mining Code of Mali. Key provisions of the MoU include the allocation of a 35% equity interest in LMLB to the Malian State and local investors, with customs and duties exemptions during the construction phase. Kodal Minerals CEO Bernard Aylward emphasized that this milestone solidifies the project’s future and underscores the strong partnership between Kodal and the Malian government, with production expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

CMA 2024 Summit to Explore China’s Expanding Role in Africa’s Copper Industry

The Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 Summit will explore China’s growing influence in Africa’s copper industry, highlighting major investments in mining projects across the continent. With over $50 billion in pledged financing, China is helping Africa boost its copper production to meet global demand for energy transition minerals. The summit, taking place November 6-7 in Cape Town, will bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of African mining and its impact on the global supply chain.

Overcoming the Barriers to Africa’s Mineral Potential

Africa’s vast mineral wealth holds the key to the global energy transition, yet the continent remains hindered by a lack of systematic geological mapping, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated mining practices. Despite holding a fifth of the world’s metal reserves, Africa struggles to fully tap into this potential. To unlock these resources and transform the continent’s role in the global mineral market, significant investments in advanced technologies, infrastructure, and value-added processing are essential. The future of Africa’s mineral sector depends on overcoming these barriers and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.

Zambia’s Proposed Minerals Law Risks Undermining Copper Investment and Production Goals, Industry Experts Warn

Zambia’s new Minerals Regulation Commission Bill, designed to increase government control over mineral resources, is raising alarms in the mining sector. Industry experts warn that the bill’s provisions, including potential forced state acquisitions, could deter foreign investment and jeopardize the country’s goal of boosting annual copper production to 3 million metric tons. As Zambia strives to position itself as a leading copper producer, the proposed law may inadvertently create new challenges in attracting and retaining essential investments.

Resolute Mining – A Beacon of Success in African Gold Mining

Resolute Mining, a leader in African gold mining, boasts over three decades of expertise, with operations in Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. The company is committed to sustainable growth through extensive exploration, aiming to discover new deposits and expand existing resources. Resolute’s dedication to community engagement and responsible resource management underscores its mission to support regional development and environmental stewardship, making it a beacon of innovation and success in the mining sector.

Milestone Achieved in Carbon Capture and Utilisation Storage Project

Leandra, Mpumalanga, 10 May 2024 – The Council for Geoscience (CGS) and Mzansi Exploration, Drilling and Mining celebrated a significant achievement with the completion of an 1800m drill for the Carbon Capture and Utilisation Storage (CCUS) pilot project. This milestone, essential for the development of the CCUS initiative, was celebrated at the CCUS Piloting Site in Leandra, Mpumalanga.