Africa Mining News of Week 43, 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 new copper ventures in Botswana to milestone gold discoveries in Zimbabwe and Angola’s first major copper mine gearing up for production, Africa’s mining landscape continues to accelerate with energy and ambition. This week’s stories capture the continent’s dynamic growth, from bold exploration programs and record output gains to landmark infrastructure projects reshaping regional economies.
As investment and innovation deepen across key commodities like copper, gold, lithium, and chrome, Africa’s role in the global mineral supply chain is becoming stronger than ever. Here’s your round-up of the most significant updates shaping the week in African mining.
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 43, 2025
🆕 Cobre Begins New Diamond Drilling at Ngami Copper Project in Botswana
COBRE LIMITED has launched new diamond drilling at the Cosmos target within its Ngami Copper Project in Botswana to enhance understanding of the area’s copper potential and follow up on previous Comet deposit findings. The project currently holds 11.5 million tons of resources grading 0.52% copper, equal to 60,300 tons of contained copper. The drilling program involves two holes to evaluate mineralization grade and identify higher-grade zones, with results expected to guide future exploration plans across the Ngami license. CEO Adam Wooldridge emphasized Cosmos’s potential for high-grade copper-silver mineralization that supports conventional mining. With additional projects at Kitlanya East and West attracting attention from BHP, Cobre’s efforts highlight Botswana’s growing importance as a regional copper exploration hub.
📈 Zimbabwe’s Blanket Mine Reports 3% Gold Output Growth in 2025
Caledonia Mining’s Blanket Gold Mine in Zimbabwe produced 58,846 ounces of gold in the first nine months of 2025, a 3% increase from 56,815 ounces in the same period last year, with Q3 alone yielding 19,106 ounces. The company projects full-year production between 75,500 and 79,500 ounces, compared to 76,656 ounces in 2024. Strong gold prices, up nearly 60% this year, have supported favorable conditions for the operation. Caledonia holds a 64% stake in the mine, while Zimbabwean investors own the remaining 36%. The growth is attributed to stable operations and strategic investments, reinforcing Caledonia’s confidence in meeting higher production targets alongside other key gold assets in the country such as Freda Rebecca, How Mine, and the emerging Dokwe project.
💰 M23 Rebels Deny Gold Theft Allegations from Twangiza Mine in Eastern DRC
The M23 rebel group has denied accusations from Twangiza Mining that its forces stole 500 kilograms of gold from the company’s concession in South Kivu, DRC, claiming the mine is inactive and only artisanal miners are working there. Twangiza alleged that M23 used Rwandan technicians to extract geological data and move gold covertly, reporting monthly losses of over 100 kilograms of gold and $5 million in equipment since M23 took control in May. A drone strike on October 15 destroyed the site’s power facilities, though responsibility remains unclear. M23 leader Corneille Nangaa dismissed the claims, while the Congolese government has yet to respond. Twangiza has filed an international arbitration complaint and declared force majeure. The case highlights the ongoing conflict over eastern Congo’s mineral resources, where multiple armed groups continue to profit from controlling and taxing mining activities.
🪙 Kavango Confirms Open-Pit Gold Deposit at Nightshift Prospect, Zimbabwe
Kavango Resources has confirmed a significant open-pit gold deposit at the Nightshift Prospect within its Hillside Gold Project in Zimbabwe, marking a major step in its goal to become a regional gold producer. The maiden JORC-compliant resource estimate reports 20,000 ounces of gold at 0.86 g/t, including 11,000 ounces indicated and 9,000 ounces inferred. The deposit, covering a 700-meter strike and 200-meter width, offers near-term open-pit mining potential and future underground expansion. Located just 800 meters from Bill’s Luck Gold Mine, where Kavango is building its first processing plant, the company plans to upgrade capacity from 200 to 300 tons per day. With drilling so far testing only 15% of the strike length, Phase 1 could support a three-year mine life, with production targeted for the first half of 2026. CEO Ben Turney described the find as a defining milestone for Kavango’s fast-track production plan, as the firm also advances a resource definition program at Bill’s Luck to further strengthen its upcoming mining operations.
💪 Tharisa Minerals Reports Strong Growth in PGM and Chrome Output
Tharisa delivered strong fourth-quarter results with a 19.7% increase in platinum group metals (PGM) production to 41,300 ounces and a 2.9% rise in chrome output to 407,200 tonnes, driven by improved mining, milling, grade, and recovery efficiencies. The company has begun transitioning to underground mining, starting in the west pit with plans to reach steady-state output by FY2029, while the east pit is expected to follow by FY2033. The first ore from underground operations is scheduled for Q2 2026. This shift aims to extend the mine’s lifespan, enhance sustainability, and lower costs through mechanised methods. CEO Phoevos Pouroulis stated that moving underground marks a key step in “future-proofing” Tharisa’s operations, ensuring efficiency and long-term value from its extensive resource base.
⛏️ Angola Launches Its First Major Copper Mine: Tetelo Set to Begin Production Next Week
Angola is set to start production at its first major copper mine, the Tetelo project, on October 29, marking a turning point in the country’s diversification from oil toward clean energy minerals. The $250 million mine, located in Luanda Province, is a joint venture between China’s Shining Star International Group and Sociedade Mineira de Cobre de Angola under the Shining Star Icarus partnership. The project will initially produce 25,000 metric tons of copper concentrate annually, starting with open-pit mining before transitioning to underground operations by 2026. Glencore has secured an offtake deal for the output, while companies like Ivanhoe Mines and Anglo American are also pursuing copper ventures in Angola. Mines Minister Diamantino Azevedo hailed Tetelo as a landmark project that strengthens Angola’s position in the global energy transition and supports its goal to become a regional hub for clean energy minerals.
🌍 Sibanye-Stillwater Seals New Chrome Deal with Glencore Merafe Venture
Sibanye-Stillwater has finalized a new chrome supply and management agreement with the Glencore Merafe Venture to optimize chrome production across its South African platinum group metal operations. Effective November 1, 2025, the Chrome Management Agreement (CMA) and upgraded Marikana Contract are expected to accelerate chrome delivery volumes by about 20 years, significantly boosting long-term cash flow. The Marikana Chrome Recovery Plants will move under the CMA after the current contract ends, increasing Sibanye’s share of free cash flow, while other chrome plants benefit from value-enhancing terms immediately. Glencore will contribute its processing expertise to improve recovery rates and lower costs, supporting brownfield expansion projects under review. CEO Richard Stewart described the partnership as a pivotal move to unlock long-term value from chrome by-products and secure sustainable, diversified revenue streams for Sibanye’s South African operations.
⛏️ Kokoseb Central Zone Delivers High-Grade Gold Results in Namibia
WIA Gold has announced strong drilling results from the Central Zone of its Kokoseb Gold Project in Namibia, revealing multiple high-grade intersections that confirm the deposit’s potential for open-pit and underground mining. Significant intercepts include 27 m at 3.31 g/t gold, 11 m at 5.21 g/t, 12.7 m at 3.09 g/t, and 5 m at 6.77 g/t, with new discoveries such as a sub-parallel shoot containing 10.9 m at 12.26 g/t and 8.2 m at 5.09 g/t. The mineralised zone extends over 500 metres and remains open in several directions, while deep drilling confirmed 47 m at 1.49 g/t, proving mineralisation continuity. The project, a joint venture with Namibia’s Epangelo Mining (20%), holds a July 2025 resource of 2.93 Moz at 1.0 g/t, including 2.07 Moz at 1.4 g/t. Supported by positive trial grade-control results and a definitive feasibility study set for completion in H2 2026, Kokoseb is emerging as one of Namibia’s most promising gold developments, strengthening the country’s role in Africa’s gold exploration scene.
⛏️ Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto Mine in Mali Restarts Under State Control
Mali’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine, formerly operated by Barrick Mining Corporation, has resumed production under government control following a nine-month suspension triggered by disputes over exports and asset seizures. State-appointed administrator Soumana Makadji now oversees operations, ensuring continued payments to contractors like Maxam Corp., Sandvik Group, and Etasi & Co. Drilling, while maintaining employment and local economic contributions. Barrick had halted production in January after Mali’s government seized gold, detained staff, and blocked exports. The mine, which produced 723,000 ounces of gold in 2024, remains one of Barrick’s largest African assets, though the company continues arbitration with Mali over tax claims and regulatory disagreements. The status of one ton of seized gold is still uncertain. As other firms such as Allied Gold and B2Gold have reached settlements with Mali, this state-managed restart highlights the country’s growing assertiveness in controlling its mineral wealth amid strained relations with foreign investors.
📦 Massive Milestone at Simandou: 2 Million Tonnes Stockpiled by Rio Tinto for First Shipment
Rio Tinto has reached a major milestone at its Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, stockpiling around 2 million metric tons of high-grade ore ahead of its first shipment expected in mid-November 2025. Its subsidiary, Rio Tinto Simfer, operating blocks 3 and 4, accumulated about 1.5 million tons in the third quarter, with ore transport via the new ~600 km railway and deep-water port built by partner Winning Consortium Simandou. The ore, averaging 65% iron, will help meet strong global demand, and at full production by 2028, Simandou is projected to deliver 120 million tons annually, increasing global seaborne supply by nearly 9%. The project is also expected to raise Guinea’s GDP by 26% by 2030, representing both a transformative step for the country’s mining economy and a significant realignment of global iron ore supply chains.
💸 Tertiary Minerals Secures £100,000 to Advance Drilling at Mushima North Project, Zambia
Tertiary Minerals PLC has raised £100,000 through a share placement with its major shareholder, Stuart Packwood, to support expanded drilling at the Mushima North Project in Zambia. The financing, arranged by Peterhouse Capital Limited, includes issuing 153.85 million new shares at 0.065p each. Managing Director Richard Belcher said the investment demonstrates strong shareholder confidence as the company prepares for a 1,000-metre reverse circulation drilling program at Target A1, focused on silver, copper, and zinc mineralisation before the rainy season. The objective is to extend known mineral zones and complete an initial resource estimate within a year. The Mushima North Project continues to be one of Tertiary Minerals’ key exploration priorities in Zambia, with this funding advancing efforts toward defining its full resource potential.
🌍 Huayou to Launch $400M Lithium Sulphate Production in Zimbabwe by Early 2026
China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd will begin producing lithium sulphate in early 2026 at its $400 million facility located at Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s Arcadia mine near Harare, marking a major advancement in Zimbabwe’s value-addition and mineral processing ambitions. The plant will initially produce over 50,000 metric tons of lithium sulphate annually, with capacity to expand to 60,000 tons. As a critical precursor for lithium hydroxide and carbonate used in electric vehicle batteries, this operation strengthens Zimbabwe’s role in the global battery supply chain. The government’s planned 2027 ban on lithium concentrate exports aims to promote local refining, reinforcing industrial growth. Huayou, which bought Arcadia for $422 million in 2022 and launched a $300 million concentrator in 2023, joins other major Chinese investors like Sinomine, Chengxin, Yahua, and Tsingshan leading Zimbabwe’s lithium industry. Together, these investments are turning Zimbabwe into a key African hub for lithium processing and export.
📦 Kodal launches lithium exports from Mali’s Bougouni mine
Kodal Minerals plc has begun exporting lithium spodumene concentrate from its Bougouni Lithium Project in southern Mali to the port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, marking the project’s first commercial shipment. The initial batch includes 30,000 tonnes from a 45,000-tonne stockpile, with the concentrate bound for Hainan, China, under an existing offtake agreement. This milestone transitions Bougouni into the revenue-generating phase following the commissioning of its dense media separation (DMS) plant, which targets 125,000 tonnes per year of Li₂O in its first stage. A second phase, adding a flotation plant by 2028, is expected to increase annual output to about 230,000 tonnes. Mali’s government has authorized exports of up to 125,000 tonnes, underscoring its support for lithium development. The start of exports through the West African logistics corridor highlights both Mali’s growing role in the global battery supply chain and Kodal’s successful progression from development to full-scale operations.
🌍 Newcore Gold Expands Drilling to 45,000 Metres at Enchi Gold Project, Ghana
Newcore Gold has expanded its 2024–2025 drilling campaign at the 100%-owned Enchi Gold Project in Ghana to 45,000 metres, supported by a strong cash reserve of around US$10 million. The project, located on the prolific Sefwi-Bibiani Belt, has already completed 25,097 metres of drilling across 207 RC holes, with 98.5% intersecting gold mineralisation. Highlights include standout grades such as 2.25 g/t Au over 56 m at Boin, 1.85 g/t Au over 62 m at Sewum, and exceptional hits of 204.27 g/t Au and 184 g/t Au over 1 m each. The mineralisation extends beyond current pit limits, revealing strong expansion potential, while Kojina Hill is emerging as a new high-priority target. The company aims to convert Inferred to Indicated resources and complete a Pre-Feasibility Study by late 2025. CEO Luke Alexander emphasized the district-scale potential of Enchi, with drilling now targeting deeper, higher-grade zones to further establish the project as a long-term gold producer in one of West Africa’s most proven mining belts.