Research Channel | Advanced Search - Research Channel Africa

Back All

Botswana to become certifier in G7 Russian diamond ban

Published: 28 Nov 24

Major African diamond producer Botswana will join Antwerp as an origin certifier of rough diamonds for export to the G7 which banned imports of Russian stones from the start of this year, a joint statement said on Wednesday. The addition of Botswana looks set to salvage implementation of the ban. The initial system would have seen all diamonds go through Europe's diamond hub in Antwerp for verification, backed by a new tracing system.

Nornickel sees new technologies sustaining China's palladium demand

Published: 28 Nov 24

Russian metals giant Nornickel believes that new technologies it is developing, including for the synthesis of hydrogen, will create demand for palladium in China equal to up to 15% of current consumption, a top executive told Reuters. Demand from makers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles who use palladium in exhaust pipes to neutralise emissions - which accounts for 80% of the metal's global use - is set to shrink due to the rise of electric vehicles.

NevGold achieves permitting milestone at Limo Butte

Published: 28 Nov 24

US-focused exploration and development company NevGold has secured a permitting milestone with the approval of its plan of operations for the Limousine Butte project by the Bureau of Land Management. This approval allows for an expanded scope of exploration activities, including drilling, across 80 ha of the site, from the previous 6 ha permitted under three separate exploration notices.

Urano picks up advanced uranium properties in Utah, Colorado

Published: 28 Nov 24

CSE-listed Urano Energy has announced purchase agreements to acquire mineral claims and mining leases located in Utah and Colorado, covering various properties that are prospective for uranium mining. The company, which is focused on conventional uranium assets in the US, will pay $5.87-million in cash and $4.80-million in shares for the assets.

Codelco bonds still not offering attractive returns, Gimme Credit report says

Published: 28 Nov 24

Chile's State-owned Codelco's bonds have yet to offer attractive returns and there are doubts whether the world's largest copper producer can improve earnings and credit metrics, according to a report released Wednesday by corporate bond research firm Gimme Credit. Codelco has been struggling to recover production, which fell to historic lows the past two years amid delays for new projects and other operational problems.

Trafigura rattles zinc market with huge order for LME metal

Published: 28 Nov 24

Trafigura Group has ordered thousands of tons of zinc out of London Metal Exchange warehouses, fueling a rally in prices, according to people familiar with the matter. Orders to withdraw zinc from warehouses overseen by the exchange have surged by 97 225 t over the past two days, the biggest jump in more than a decade. The move leaves less stock available to other buyers, and helped underpin a gain in prices since Monday.

Guilbeault warns oil and gas companies against withholding emissions data

Published: 28 Nov 24

Canada's Environment Minister warned on Wednesday that oil and gas companies would be breaking federal laws if they withheld emissions data, after Alberta's premier said the province was considering measures to block a proposed emissions cap. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday said her government intends to put forward a motion in the provincial legislature that would allow it to launch a legal challenge to Ottawa's proposed oil and gas emissions cap.

Denison forms exploration JVs with Cosa Resources

Published: 28 Nov 24

Canadian firm Denison Mines on Wednesday announced an agreement with Cosa Resources to form three uranium exploration joint ventures (JVs) in the eastern portion of the Athabasca basin of Saskatchewan. In terms of the agreement, TSX-V-listed Cosa would acquire a 70% interest in the Murphy Lake North, Darby and Packrat properties in exchange for 14.2-million Cosa common shares, C$2.25-million in deferred equity and a commitment to spend C$6.5-million in exploration at the Murphy Lake North and Darby projects.

Mistra executive director Joel Netshitenzhe

South Africa could play indispensable role in the global hydrogen value chain, says Mistra's Netshitenzhe

Published: 27 Nov 24

Speakers participating in the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection’s (Mistra’s) ninth yearly platinum group metals (PGM) roundtable, on November 27, agreed that South Africa has potential to become a leading player in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. By developing capacities, the country can become an indispensable part of the whole hydrogen value chain from mining of minerals and beneficiation, to manufacturing and services, said Mistra executive director Joel Netshitenzhe.

A map showing the Waterberg project area

PTM, Saudi Arabian company advance cooperation on proposed PGM smelter

Published: 27 Nov 24

TSX- and NYSE American-listed Platinum Group Metals (PTM), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian company Ajlan & Bros Company and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) as part of plans to build a platinum group metals (PGM) smelter and base metal refinery in the Middle Eastern country. Under the terms of the MoU, the MISA will offer strategic guidance and study potential financial support to the proposed PGM smelter and base metals refinery to be located in Saudi Arabia, as well as for the Waterberg PGM project under development by PTM and its partners in South Africa.