Africa Mining News of Week 42, 2025

Dear Africa Mining Community,

Welcome to this week’s edition of Africa Mining Newsletter, where we bring you the most important developments shaping Africa’s mining landscape and their global impact.

From the DRC’s cobalt export shock shaking global supply chains to Guinea’s bauxite surge and record performances in Morocco and South Africa, this week’s headlines reflect the continent’s growing influence in the world’s critical mineral markets. We also spotlight new exploration milestones in Zimbabwe, strategic gold expansions in Liberia and Senegal, and the upcoming global launch of bRocks, a groundbreaking AI platform set to redefine mining intelligence.

Stay informed, stay connected, and discover how Africa’s mining frontier continues to evolve with innovation, opportunity, and resilience.

Enjoy this week’s insights,

Team AFMICO

Africa Mining News of Week 42, 2025

🔋 DRC’s Export Shock Triggers Cobalt Price Surge, and Supply Worries

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s sudden cobalt export limits have caused prices to rise to a three-year high, creating fears of shortages in the global battery supply chain. The government halted exports in February and will replace the ban with a quota system starting in October, allocating export rights based on 2022–2024 history. Major producers like CMOC will see reduced allowances, and China’s cobalt imports have dropped by over 90 percent. To cope, some refiners are buying refined metal instead of hydroxide. Analysts warn that strict quota enforcement could lead to a supply deficit by mid-2026 and further price hikes. The DRC aims to use these measures to increase revenue and control market stability, but success will depend on how well it manages quotas and prevents export leakage.

🌍 bRocks™ Set to Revolutionize Mining Intelligence with Global Launch on October 18

The bRocks™ APP, the world’s first unified AI mining intelligence platform, will launch globally on October 18 from Agadir, Morocco, aiming to transform how mining companies manage exploration, operations, compliance, and investment. By integrating all mining data into one adaptive AI system, its core engine, bRock™, allows faster and smarter decision-making while improving transparency from the ground to the boardroom. The platform was co-developed between Morocco and the United States to meet the rising demand for critical minerals that power renewable energy and technology. Built to replace scattered systems with one intelligent environment, bRocks™ encourages responsible resource development through AI and data integration and will be available for pilot programs and partnerships at www.bRocks.APP.

💰 Avesoro Eyes Expansion with Todi Gold Project Acquisition in Liberia

Avesoro Resources has proposed to acquire the Todi gold exploration project from Zodiac Gold Inc. to strengthen its position in Liberia’s gold sector. The agreement, announced on October 14, 2025, involves transferring three exploration licenses in exchange for a cash payment and a 10% royalty on future mine profits for Zodiac. Zodiac also received a US$200,000 exclusivity payment for a 30-day negotiation period, during which it cannot engage with other parties, and must return the payment if no final deal is reached. Located near Avesoro’s New Liberty and Ndablama mines, Todi adds strategic value despite still being in the exploration stage. This acquisition aligns with Avesoro’s plan to expand its production capacity through nearby project developments.

⛏️ Ariana Resources Launches New Drilling Campaign at Dokwe Gold Project, Zimbabwe

Ariana Resources plc has launched a new exploration phase at its wholly owned Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, beginning an 11,000-metre Reverse Circulation drilling campaign managed by Torque Africa Group using the Thor 5000 rig. The program targets four main zones across Dokwe North, Central, and nearby extensions, focusing on expanding known deposits that already contain a JORC-compliant resource of 1.12 million ounces at 1.52 g/t gold. Additionally, a 26-hole, 4,000-metre program will investigate a gold-in-soil anomaly northeast of Dokwe North, with initial assay results expected by the end of 2025. Through this campaign, Ariana Resources seeks to grow its resource base and strengthen its exploration presence in Zimbabwe.

⚠️ Two Police Officers Killed in Attack at Gemfields’ Montepuez Ruby Mine in Mozambique

Two police officers were killed in an attack by around 40 illegal miners at the entrance of Gemfields Group’s Montepuez ruby mine in northern Mozambique, highlighting rising tensions between security forces and unauthorized diggers. While no Gemfields employees or contractors were injured, the mine has faced recent sabotage incidents during the final commissioning of its new processing plant. The violence may have been triggered by a recent immigration raid in a nearby village that left one person dead. Montepuez, home to the world’s richest ruby deposits, has a long history of violent incursions and social unrest, and Gemfields previously paid $7.5 million in 2019 to settle claims of security-related abuses. The company’s share price briefly fell 1.5% following the incident but later recovered.

📈 Guinea’s Bauxite Exports Defy Odds with 23% Surge in Q3

Guinea’s bauxite exports rose by 23 percent in the third quarter of 2025, reaching 39.41 million tonnes despite heavy rains and tighter government regulations. Exports grew from 32 million tonnes a year earlier, though average monthly shipments were lower than in the first half due to weather disruptions. The government has been revoking mining licences and urging companies to build local alumina refineries, adding regulatory uncertainty. Chinese companies, led by SMB-Winning, CHALCO, and CDM-CHINE, accounted for more than half of exports, with Guinea now supplying about one-third of China’s bauxite imports. Alumina exports remained minimal at 78,000 tonnes, showing limited progress in refining. Analysts expect total 2025 output to reach about 180 million tonnes, over 20 percent higher than 2024, while the Simandou iron ore project prepares to start shipments to China, further deepening Guinea’s export dependence and Chinese influence.

🪙 Fortuna Plans Lightning Payback for Senegal Gold Project

Fortuna Mining’s preliminary economic assessment for the Diamba Sud gold project in Senegal indicates an exceptional outlook, with the company expecting to recover its initial US$283.2 million investment in less than one year. The study shows an after-tax NPV of US$563 million and an IRR of 72 percent, projecting total production of 840,000 ounces over 8.1 years at an average of 106,000 ounces annually and an all-in sustaining cost of US$1,238 per ounce. The project’s resources include 14.2 million tonnes indicated and 6.2 million tonnes inferred, mined through open-pit methods feeding a carbon-in-leach plant. Early years will target high-oxide ore at 2.5 million tonnes per year, tapering to 2 million tonnes as fresh rock increases. Fortuna, which gained the asset via its 2023 acquisition of Chesser Resources, saw its shares rise 6.4 percent to C$13.70, doubling year-to-date. The feasibility study is due mid-2026, with construction and first gold expected by Q2 2028, positioning Diamba Sud as a key growth driver in West African gold mining.

🎉 Record Quarter for Aya Gold & Silver Inc. at Moroccan Zgounder Silver Mine

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. achieved record performance at its Zgounder Silver Mine in Morocco for the quarter ending 30 September, producing about 1.3 million ounces of silver, a 29 percent increase from the previous quarter. The company improved mill throughput to around 3,326 tonnes per day, 11 percent higher than Q2 and 23 percent above nameplate capacity, while the average head grade rose to about 146 g/t silver and recovery rates climbed to 92.5 percent from 86.5 percent. These gains reflect successful optimization of the processing circuit and stronger operational efficiency as the mine continues its ramp-up phase. Aya’s record quarter highlights strong momentum and reinforces confidence in its growth strategy and long-term value potential in Morocco’s silver industry.

🌍 Tharisa Ends FY2025 Strong with Surge in PGM & Chrome Output, $68.6m Net Cash

Tharisa ended its 2025 financial year with strong performance in both platinum group metals and chrome production, alongside a solid financial position. PGM output rose 19.7 percent in the final quarter to 41.3 thousand ounces, totaling 138.3 thousand ounces for the year, while chrome production increased to 1.56 million tonnes. The average PGM basket price climbed 24 percent in Q4 to US$1,953 per ounce, though chrome prices softened to US$266 per tonne. Safety results were outstanding, with a lost-time injury frequency rate of 0.03 at Tharisa Minerals and zero at Karo Platinum. The company closed the year with US$173 million in cash and US$68.6 million net cash after debt. It announced a US$547 million investment to transition its Tharisa Mine underground by FY2029 for the west pit and FY2033 for the east pit. With FY2026 production guidance of 145–165 thousand ounces of PGMs and 1.50–1.65 million tonnes of chrome, Tharisa’s operational discipline, safety culture, and strategic investments position it for sustainable, long-term growth in critical minerals.