Cobalt

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.

DRC
Companies up in arms over pause in cobalt exports

In a memo to the authorities, the Congo's business federation has called into question the legality of the four-month suspension of cobalt exports.

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.

Morocco
Washington plans to strengthen embassies to counter Beijing

In response to China consolidating its foothold on the African continent, the US administration is gearing up to reorganise its diplomatic network. Morocco is one of the key countries that will be targeted by this restructuring.

Morocco
Managem's labs doing good business

The mining subsidiary of the Al Mada royal holding company aims to become a service provider for mining companies interested in Morocco's subsoil, which is now accessible to international groups.

DRC
Head of Entreprise Générale du Cobalt on charm offensive in Brussels

The boss of Gécamines' fully owned subsidiary is discussing how the EU can support its small-scale mining activities in the cobalt sector. The aim is to develop its two pilot projects in Lualaba.

Morocco
Investors continue to circle round Jbiel mine

Its copper and cobalt potential is attracting interest.

Cameroon
Sam Jonah's battery metal plans with Tronic Metals

Prominent Ghanaian mining figure Sam Jonah has become the new chair of Geovic Cameroun just as Tronic Metals, a Canadian company he owns a large share of, is finalising its purchase of Geovic's Nkamouna cobalt project.