Copper

Zambia
Frank Garcia to discuss Lusaka case during visit to Abidjan

Donald Trump's new secretary of state for African affairs is due to hold talks with Zambian representatives in the Ivorian city. The initiative aims to ease tensions between Washington and the southern African country over a health deal involving mining concessions.

DRC
Kinshasa's curious $205m debt to Abu Dhabi

Félix Tshisekedi's government owes over $200m to the United Arab Emirates, with which it has developed close ties. The government has chosen not to include this debt in its public accounts, and it may be linked to the purchase of military equipment.

Angola, Zimbabwe
Businessman Pedro Soco's regional commodity push from Luanda to Harare

Based in Cape Town, the Angolan entrepreneur wants to expand his logistics trading activities in minerals and hydrocarbons in Zimbabwe, where he has been in talks with the authorities. As in Angola, he is offering public partners pre-financing in exchange for a portion of their future production.

DRC
Chinese firm Chengtun Mining lying in wait for strategic Gécamines permit

The mining group is trying to secure a $300m deal in the Lualaba province. In its sights is a Gécamines mining licence recently transferred to an Emirati operator.

Zambia
Makor Resources prepares fundraising for copper project co-owned by Mwila family

The Canadian junior Makor, active in Zambia’s copper sector, is preparing a $7.5mn fundraising ahead of its stock market flotation.

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

Morocco
Led by Prince Moulay Rachid allies, NBI Ressources struggles to establish itself as a mining player

A newcomer to the extractive sector, NBI Ressources is launching copper and lead projects. To achieve this, it has constituted a board of directors made up of close associates of King Mohammed VI's younger brother, Prince Moulay Rachid.

DRC
KoBold Metals speeds up exploration programme

The California-based company is demonstrating its appetite in Greater Katanga, where it now has 3,500 mining concessions. It plans to continue its acquisitions in order to identify new copper and nickel deposits.

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.