DRC extends cobalt export ban by three months as stockpiles stay high
The Democratic Republic of Congo extended its cobalt export suspension for a further three months on 21 June 2025, saying stockpiles remained too high to justify reopening trade.
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Niger nationalises Somaïr uranium mine, defying French operator Orano
Niger's military government has announced the nationalisation of the Somaïr uranium mine run by France's Orano, accusing the firm of taking an outsized share of production since 1971.
Mali breaks ground on Russian-backed gold refinery
Mali has started construction of a state-controlled gold refinery built with Russia's Yadran Group, part of military leader Assimi Goita's push to keep more mining value at home.
Burkina Faso completes nationalisation of five gold mining assets
Burkina Faso has transferred five gold mining assets, including two operating mines formerly run by Endeavour Mining, to state-owned miner SOPAMIB under its revised mining code.
Minerals Council warns Mantashe of 'looming confrontation' over mining bill
Minerals Council president Paul Dunne warned Minister Gwede Mantashe the industry would fight draft MPRDA amendments in court if empowerment and beneficiation conditions are not softened.
Minerals Council says government ignored its input on MPRDA bill
The Minerals Council South Africa said engagement sessions on the MPRDA amendment bill were too high-level to be useful, and that its key recommendation on prospecting rights was ignored.
Mantashe unveils Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy for South Africa
Minister Gwede Mantashe released South Africa's Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy, prioritising beneficiation and industrialisation around a shortlist of minerals judged most important to the economy.
SA gazettes MPRDA amendments meant to overhaul mining regulation
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources published draft amendments to the MPRDA for public comment, aiming to speed up licensing while adding new empowerment and compliance conditions.
Cobalt export freeze splits Congolese senators, miners and reformers
Days after ARECOMS suspended cobalt exports, Congolese senators, a former mines minister and mining companies warned of lost revenue, while civil society groups praised the move to support prices.
DRC suspends all cobalt exports for four months as prices hit nine-year low
The Democratic Republic of Congo's mining regulator ordered a surprise four-month suspension of cobalt exports on 22 February 2025, aiming to drain a global surplus and lift crashed prices.
Minerals Council fears MPRDA rewrite will unwind 'once empowered' ruling
The Minerals Council South Africa says the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is unhappy with a court ruling that protects existing empowerment deals, and may use MPRDA amendments to undo it.