The MiningWrap BriefNo. 18
DRC lifts planned copper sales to US fivefold to 500,000 tonnes
The week in African mining — 16 April 2026.
1CopperDRC lifts planned copper sales to US fivefold to 500,000 tonnesThe DRC raised planned copper sales to the United States to 500,000 tonnes, a fivefold increase on its initial commitment, as Gécamines expands its independent trading operation.
2ExplorationSovereign Metals' Kasiya study confirms world-scale rutile and graphite project in MalawiA definitive feasibility study has confirmed Sovereign Metals' Kasiya project in Malawi can become the world's largest natural rutile and graphite producer, with a pre-tax NPV of $2.2 billion.
3MarketsStats SA: February mining output leaps 9.7% on PGM and China effectSouth African mining production rose 9.7% year-on-year in February 2026, with PGM output up 52.3%, though the Minerals Council warned much of the gain reflected base effects.
4LithiumZimbabwe hands lithium export quotas to Yahua, Sinomine and ChengxinSichuan Yahua says it has secured a six-month quota to export lithium concentrate from Zimbabwe, after the government granted allocations to Chengxin Lithium and Sinomine following a two-month export freeze.
5Energy & InfrastructureKamoa-Kakula's copper smelter ships first anodes via the Lobito CorridorIvanhoe Mines' Kamoa-Kakula smelter produced 63,671 tonnes of copper anode in the first quarter of 2026, about 60% of design capacity, and sent its first shipment to Europe via the Lobito Corridor.