Battery Metals

The New Guard
Ivory Coast, Nigeria, DRC

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

Ivory CoastArthur Banga, the security expert whispering in the ears of military staff

NigeriaArabinrin Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, a decisive woman of multiple talents

DRCCorneille Kabanga, the quiet go-between for Chinese giant CNMC

DRC
Westwin Elements looks beyond DRC for mining needs

Led by KaLeigh Long, a former political consultant with close ties to evangelical Republican circles, the US company focuses on nickel refining and is currently sourcing outside the African country, contrary to its initial ambitions.

Madagascar
Japan's Sumitomo appoints new CFO for Ambatovy

Japanese nickel and cobalt mining and industrial complex Ambatovy has appointed a new CFO, Kentaro Kanayama.

DRC
Potential mining deal with Abu Dhabi taking shape

Emirati company International Resources Holding pursuing low-key discussions with Gécamines on granting of strategic mining permit in the Katanga province of Lualaba.

Somalia
Somali government revamps mining code as it seeks strategic ores

The executive is working on a new mining law to attract international investors interested in uranium. It is also aiming to relaunch prospecting for lithium, cobalt, gold and diamonds.

Madagascar
Base Toliara company speeds up revision of mining investment legislation

Large-scale mining investment legislation could be updated this year, thanks in part to the lobbying of the mines minister by Base Toliara's management.

Morocco
Washington seeks to renegotiate its free trade agreement with Rabat

In line with his America First policy, US President Donald Trump sees the renegotiation of the free trade agreement between the US and Morrocco as an opportunity to promote American companies.

Morocco
Royal holding company Al Mada to open its gigafactory in June

The giant Cobco plant will produce 120,000 tonnes per year of cathode components for batteries used in electric vehicles.

Madagascar
Base Toliara seeks tax benefits and stability guarantees

Work on the $770m project will begin in 2026, but in the meantime the mining company is seeking special status under the Law on Large Mining Investments, which it considers more favourable to investors.

Tanzania
Frustrated miners hope to influence tax legislation

Two juniors, which are developing nickel and graphite projects with the support of the Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP for one, and the South Korean metallurgist Posco for the other, are completing financing to be able to start production.

Morocco
As Trump looms, South Korea's gigafactories in doubt

With the possible change to the Inflation Reduction Act by the new US administration, South Korean giants LG and Samsung have decided to suspend their investment projects in Morocco's electric battery sector.