Cobalt

DRC
Government studies proposal to tighten mining sector oversight

Kinshasa is studying what could be the first reform of the mining code since 2018. The proposal aims to reinforce the role of the state, tighten the granting of licences and fight illicit exploitation. It also emphasises companies' responsibilities towards local populations.

Cameroon
US moves in on Nkamouna nickel and cobalt deposit

Close to the Trump administration, mining entrepreneur and GreenMet boss Drew Horn, who has an interest in the project, has made contact with the owners of Phoenix Mining, a company that Yaoundé has recently stripped of its licence.

Central Africa
Bank of Central African States ends talks on restoration funds

After six years of negotiations, the BEAC and foreign operators have been unable to reach an agreement on the terms for repatriating funds for the rehabilitation of mining and oil sites in the CFA franc zone.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Niger, Central African Republic

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

NigeriaAyo Sopitan, trader turned miner

NigerSalim Gado, Tchiani's ambitious right-hand man

Central African RepublicWilliam Ndjapou, the rising adviser

DRC
Buenassa still banking on Washington to build its copper and cobalt refinery

Congolese businessman Eddy Kioni is pressing ahead to secure support from US institutions for his plan to build a plant in Lualaba province, estimated to cost $2bn.

Zambia
How Washington is backing the Kazozu copper and cobalt project

Launched by the Texas-based company Metalex and its Zambian partner Terra Metals, with the support of the US embassy in Lusaka, this venture has also received a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency.

Zambia
Emirati firm IRH reviews plans for Mopani copper mine with national company ZCCM

The Abu Dhabi holding company and its Zambian partner must agree on the investments needed to complete the mining site's recovery plan. They must also find common cause on their financial relations.

DRC, Zambia
Stanford mining lab follows KoBold to Kitwe and Lubumbashi

The Mineral-X research programme provides expertise in the use of artificial intelligence for geological exploration in the Copperbelt and Haut-Katanga provinces.

Zambia
KoBold Metals calls on US State Department to speed up permit process

After four months of negotiations and a trip to Lusaka, the American mining company, which specialises in exploration, obtained the necessary authorisations to operate its future mine in Mingomba.