Africa Mining News of Week 5, 2026
Dear Africa Mining Community,
Welcome to Week 5 of 2026 and our weekly roundup of the key stories shaping Africa’s mining, exploration, and resources landscape.
This past week highlighted the full spectrum of the sector, from billion-dollar investments, major acquisitions, and strong production growth, to regulatory shifts, exploration breakthroughs, and the very real human and governance challenges that continue to define mining across the continent. We saw renewed momentum in gold, copper, uranium, bauxite, rare earths, and iron ore, alongside growing state involvement, rising ESG expectations, and intensifying global interest in Africa’s strategic minerals.
In this edition, we bring together the most relevant developments from across Africa to help you stay informed, see the bigger picture, and better understand where opportunities and risks are emerging.
As always, our goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the evolving story of Africa’s mining sector.
Enjoy this week’s insights,
Team AFMICO
Africa Mining News of Week 5, 2026
Harena Rare Earths Advances Madagascar Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project
Harena Rare Earths has completed a pre-feasibility study for its Ampasindava ionic clay rare earth project in Madagascar, marking an important step forward for the company. The study confirms strong technical and economic results and supports the project as a long-life, low-cost operation with solid returns. The work was compiled internally with support from SGS, and the mineral resource was updated to the JORC 2012 standard. The study assumes a 20-year mine life with a dry plant throughput of 5 million tonnes per year and an average grade of 1,500 ppm total rare earth oxide. Total production is estimated at about 71 kilotonnes over the mine life, with around 4,000 tonnes produced each year. Pre-production capital costs are estimated at US$142 million, with a post-tax NPV10 of US$249.6 million and a post-tax IRR of 30 percent. Harena now plans to move into final piloting and detailed studies, while permitting remains on track for construction to begin in 2027.
West Wits Secures A$27.5m to Fast-Track Gold Production
West Wits Mining Limited has raised A$27.5 million through an equity placement to mainly institutional investors, which strengthens its balance sheet and funds its move into gold production. The funding will support development at the Qala Shallows gold project, with first gold planned for March 2026. A total of 343.75 million new shares were issued at A$0.08 per share, along with unlisted options that can be exercised at A$0.11 over three years. The placement followed strong and unsolicited interest from institutions, showing confidence in the company’s strategy. The capital will also be used for the Project 200 scoping study and drilling at the BRC Uranium target. This investment expands West Wits’ exposure to strategic commodities within the Witwatersrand Basin Project. CEO Rudi Deysel said the funding fully supports mine development while keeping financial flexibility for future growth.
D.R. Congo Gold Trader Targets $3 Billion Comeback After Rebel Shock
After a year of conflict and disruption, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned gold trader is planning a strong comeback as high gold prices and expansion drive new growth, even after losing its Bukavu headquarters to rebel forces in February, DRC Gold Trading SA aims to ship up to 18 tons of gold this year worth nearly $3 billion, expand operations across eight provinces, and bring more artisanal gold into the formal economy to reduce smuggling and abuse linked to armed groups, with supply chain monitoring and bank payments being rolled out nationwide, most exports expected to go to Dubai with interest from over 40 countries, and after buying out its Emirati partner in 2024 the company is now mainly state owned, believing tighter oversight and wider reach can redirect billions from illegal trade into the national economy despite ongoing instability in eastern Congo.
Mali Detains Gold Mine Managers Over Mining Code Compliance
Mali has detained five senior managers linked to the Yanfolila gold mine as it steps up enforcement of its revised mining code. The managers from Societe des Mines de Komana were held over alleged failure to repatriate foreign currency from gold export revenues, which is required by law. The action reflects the government’s push to apply stricter fiscal and regulatory rules introduced in 2023. These reforms raised taxes and increased state participation in mining projects, which has caused disputes with some operators in the past. Mali says tougher enforcement has already helped it recover about 761 billion CFA francs from mining companies. Ownership of the Yanfolila mine changed in 2025 when Coris Bank International, through Nioko Resources, bought it from Hummingbird Resources. The mine produced nearly 84,000 ounces of gold in 2023 and holds close to half a million ounces in reserves. Mali has also raised its stake in the mine to 20 percent, showing its aim to gain more control and revenue from the sector.
Liberia Attracts $4.8 Billion in Major Mining and Oil Investments
Liberia is set to receive 4.8 billion dollars in new investment from major mining, infrastructure, and oil agreements with multinational companies. The government says these deals will help boost economic growth and support long-term national development by using natural resources responsibly. About 4 billion dollars is expected from mining and infrastructure projects involving Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc. and ArcelorMittal SA. An additional 800 million dollars is projected from oil and gas agreements with TotalEnergies SE and Oranto Petroleum. ArcelorMittal already exports around 10 million tonnes of iron ore each year, supported by a new railway access agreement that allows transport from Guinea through Liberia. President Joseph Boakai said the investments show Liberia’s focus on working with credible partners and ensuring resources benefit all citizens. Liberia’s economy grew by 5.1 percent in 2025 and is expected to grow by an average of 6 percent between 2026 and 2028.
Zijin Gold moves big in Africa with Allied Gold takeover
Zijin Gold International, a unit of China’s Zijin Mining, has agreed to buy Canada based Allied Gold in a deal worth about C$5.5 billion, or roughly US$4 billion, which will greatly expand Zijin’s presence in Africa’s gold sector by adding assets in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Ethiopia to its existing Akyem mine in Ghana, with the offer set at C$44 per share for full ownership, subject to regulatory approvals and a shareholder vote, and expected to close by the end of April, while the combined group could produce up to 800,000 ounces of gold a year by 2029 from current output of about 400,000 ounces expected in 2025, all taking place during a strong gold price rally above US$5,000 per ounce and amid tighter government oversight of mining, especially in Mali.
Gabon Targets High-Growth Mining Investments at Mining Indaba 2026
Gabon is strengthening its mining sector under the new Minister of Mines and Geological Resources, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, who was appointed in January 2026 with a strong focus on growth and investment. The government wants mining to play a bigger role in the economy, increasing its share of GDP from about 6 percent to 25 percent by 2030. This plan is supported by higher budgets, strong political backing, and reforms aimed at transparency, faster rules, and a better climate for investors. Key priorities include adding more value to manganese through local silicomanganese production and speeding up major iron ore projects at Belinga and Baniaka. Gabon also plans to upgrade the Trans-Gabonese railway to improve mining transport and logistics. Artisanal gold mining will be formalised and regulated, while the state-owned company SEM will become an active industrial mining operator with a revenue target of one billion US dollars by 2030. Gold refining will expand through the Gabonese Gold Refinery in the Nkok Special Economic Zone, supported by faster permits and clearer use of the 2019 Mining Code sees Gabon presenting itself as a stable and attractive destination for long-term mining partnerships at Mining Indaba 2026.
Ferrodrill kicks off maiden uranium drilling at Etango North, Namibia
Ferrodrill has started its first uranium drilling program in Namibia at Noronex Limited’s Etango North Uranium Project in central Namibia. This marks an important step for Noronex as it moves exploration forward in one of the world’s best known hard rock uranium regions. The drilling uses reverse circulation methods and is the first subsurface test of several high priority uranium targets. These targets were identified using ground spectrometry, remote sensing, and detailed field mapping. Etango North sits in the heart of Namibia’s uranium province, close to the Etango development and the Rössing and Husab uranium mines. The geology is considered favorable for alaskite hosted uranium systems, with recent work pointing to domal structures and flat lying alaskite sheets. Some mineralisation may be hidden under shallow cover, and results from this first pass drilling will help confirm the geological model and guide future exploration as global demand for secure uranium supply continues to grow.
Zambia records 8% jump in copper output in 2025
Zambia’s copper production increased by 8% in 2025 to 890,346 metric tons from 825,513 tons the previous year, strengthening its role as Africa’s second largest copper producer, according to the mines ministry, with strong gains from major mines such as Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines which recorded a four fold rise to 80,215 tons, Mopani Copper Mines which lifted output by 40% after its 2023 acquisition, and added growth at Kansanshi and Lubambe, although the country missed its 1 million ton target due to operational disruptions including a tailings dam collapse that shut Sino-Metals Leach temporarily and an 18% production decline at the Trident mine caused by lower ore grades, while Zambia plans to raise copper output to 3 million tons by 2031 to meet growing demand from electric vehicles and renewable energy.
SRK Consulting Appoints Two New Partners in South Africa
SRK Consulting, a leading engineering and scientific consultancy, has appointed Kirsten King and James Dutchman as new partners in South Africa to strengthen its leadership team. Kirsten King is based in Durban and has over 30 years of experience in environmental management, impact assessments, monitoring, auditing, and environmental licensing. Her work covers mining, industrial, and infrastructure projects across South Africa and several other African countries. She is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner and a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa. James Dutchman is based in Johannesburg and has nearly 15 years of experience in geo-environmental and geotechnical engineering. His expertise includes engineering geology, tailings management, and digital monitoring systems, with experience on international projects. SRK Consulting leadership said these appointments show the company’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and technical excellence. Managing director Andrew van Zyl added that the new partners support SRK’s focus on strong multidisciplinary teams that drive innovation for mining, industrial, and public sector projects in Africa.
Arkle Resources strengthens Namibia uranium footprint with strategic acquisition
Arkle Resources has acquired an 85 percent stake in Namibia Uranium Pty Ltd for about N$49 million, giving it a strong position in a well known uranium region. The deal provides control over four exploration licences in Namibia’s Erongo Region, close to major producing uranium mines. A £1.7 million fundraising was completed and was oversubscribed, which will support faster exploration and development work. Geological data from airborne surveys has identified strong uranium anomalies across all the licences. Surface sampling has confirmed uranium mineralisation, with grades reaching up to 3,855 ppm U₃O₈, including calcrete hosted uranium similar to nearby deposits. Arkle plans a two phase exploration programme that includes geophysical surveys, drilling and an updated NI 43-101 report. The company has also strengthened its management team and is positioning itself as a uranium focused platform to benefit from growing global demand for nuclear energy and secure uranium supply.
Guinea’s Bauxite Exports Surge on Strong Chinese Demand
Guinea’s bauxite exports rose sharply in 2025 to nearly 183 million metric tons, up 25 percent from the previous year, mainly due to strong demand from China, which received a record 74 percent of shipments, confirming Guinea’s role as the world’s top bauxite exporter since 2023, with 23 mining companies active and Chalco leading exports, followed by CBG, SMB, and AGB2A or SDM, while exports slowed in the second half but still grew, China’s total bauxite imports increased strongly with Guinea supplying over 80 percent of its aluminium smelter needs, higher output pushed global prices lower, and the Guinean government expects mining revenues to rise by 40 percent in 2025 as it plans to develop local alumina refineries and iron ore pellet plants to reduce reliance on raw exports.
Baowu Tightens Grip on Guinea’s Simandou Iron Ore Giant
China’s Baowu Resources has taken full operational control of the operator for Blocks 1 and 2 of Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project after raising its stake to 51%. The consortium was renamed Baowu Winning Consortium Simandou, and the deal was approved by Guinea in May 2024 and completed in January 2026. The move strengthens China’s strategic position in one of the world’s largest high-grade iron ore resources and increases its influence in Guinea. The consortium now owns 85% of the Guinean operating company for these blocks, while China-linked groups also hold stakes in Blocks 3 and 4 alongside Rio Tinto and the Guinean state. Shared rail and Atlantic port infrastructure supports the whole project, and iron ore shipments began in November after decades of delays. At full capacity, Simandou could produce up to 120 million tonnes per year, placing Guinea alongside Australia and Brazil as a major supplier. Chinese firms already control most of Guinea’s bauxite output, and Baowu says it is committed to ESG standards, local jobs, and long-term development.
Douta PFS Positions Thor as Emerging Million-Ounce Gold Producer
Thor Explorations has delivered a positive pre-feasibility study for its Douta gold project in Senegal, showing a strong and long-life operation that could make the company a major multi-asset gold producer in Africa, with a 12.6-year mine life, average annual production of about 82,000 ounces, total production above 1 million ounces, more than 400,000 ounces expected in the first four years, early all-in sustaining costs of $1,493 per ounce and a life-of-mine average of $1,890 per ounce, an after-tax NPV of $633 million at a 5 percent discount rate, a high 61 percent internal rate of return, payback in under one year, first probable reserves of 1.2 million ounces, an updated indicated resource of 1.7 million ounces, a two-phase mine plan starting with oxide ores, and a planned 40,000 meter drilling program in 2026, building on Thor’s existing Segilola gold mine in Nigeria and offering potential to extend resources and mine life.
ArcelorMittal Deepens Long-Term Commitment to Liberia
ArcelorMittal has extended its long-term minerals agreement with the government of Liberia, showing strong confidence in the country’s mining sector. The agreement secures the company’s mining and logistics operations in Liberia until 2050, with an option to renew for another 25 years. With this extension, ArcelorMittal’s total investment in Liberia has reached 3.5 billion dollars. The company will also make a 200 million dollar payment to the government for extended mining rights. The deal includes reserved access to key railroad capacity to support the transport of minerals. Overall, the agreement strengthens Liberia’s role in the global iron ore supply chain and ensures long-term economic benefits for the country.
Niger Attack Raises Alarm Over Uranium Security Near Capital
An armed attack near Niger’s main international airport has raised serious concerns about the safety of a uranium stockpile kept close to military facilities in Niamey. Heavy gunfire and explosions broke out near Diori Hamani International Airport, close to an air force base where yellowcake uranium had been stored. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, which left at least 20 attackers dead, 11 captured while wounded, and four Nigerien security personnel injured. The uranium came from the Somair mine, once operated by Orano SA, which Niger’s military authorities took over in 2024 and later nationalized in June 2025. Transporting uranium by road has worried international observers because of jihadist activity along major routes. The attackers used gunmen on motorbikes and drones, damaging commercial aircraft on the ground. The incident highlights Niger’s growing security problems as it faces insurgent threats, changing alliances, and increased attention on protecting its strategic uranium resources.
Mozambique Enters the Global Graphite Processing Stage
Mozambique has taken an important step in mining and industrial growth with the opening of a new graphite processing plant by President Daniel Chapo. The plant, owned by Chinese company DH Mining, can process 200,000 metric tons of graphite per year and is located in Niassa province. This strengthens Mozambique’s role as one of the world’s top graphite producers at a time when global demand is rising. Graphite is a key material used in electric vehicle batteries, mobile phones, and other electronics, and global production is about 1.6 million metric tons annually. DH Mining has invested around 200 million dollars in the project, covering both mining and processing facilities. The plant currently employs 890 workers, with plans to increase employment to about 2,000 in the next phase. The government aims to move away from exporting raw materials and focus more on local processing and added value. Alongside other energy and mining projects, this development supports economic growth, job creation, and long term foreign investment in Mozambique.
Impala Platinum Reports Steady Output as Revenues Surge
Impala Platinum reported steady refined platinum group metals output in the first half of its financial year, showing stable operations despite market changes. The company produced 1.78 million ounces, which was flat compared to the same period last year, and it remains confident about meeting its full-year production targets. Sales revenue rose by 40% year on year, mainly due to a strong recovery in PGM prices. Average realised revenue increased to 33,250 rand per ounce, up from 23,831 rand per ounce in the previous period. The rebound in PGM prices since the second half of 2025 has supported this improvement in earnings. Impala Platinum expects to produce between 3.4 and 3.6 million ounces for the full year. The company will release its detailed half-year financial results on March 5, which should give more information on costs and market conditions.
Madagascar Reopens Mining Permits After 16 Years, Gold Still Excluded
Madagascar has lifted a 16-year ban on issuing new mining permits for most minerals, signaling a major change in its mining policy. The moratorium was introduced in 2010 to improve mining rules and governance, and the government now says those reforms are ready to move forward. Gold mining permits remain excluded because authorities say regulation and monitoring are still weak. Mining is an important part of the economy, with key exports including nickel, cobalt, graphite, and ilmenite. The Ambatovy nickel-cobalt project continues to be the country’s main mining operation. The government hopes reopening permits will attract investment and allow companies to operate legally. Officials also noted that about 1,650 permit applications were pending in 2023, and that official gold production data is far lower than actual artisanal mining activity.
Oriole Resources reports strong new gold hits at Mbe Project, Cameroon
Oriole Resources PLC has reported strong new gold assay results from its ongoing diamond drilling at the MB01-N target within the Mbe gold project in Cameroon, confirming multiple high grade gold intersections and showing the system is larger and deeper than previously known. Results from holes MBDD027 to MBDD030 include a best intercept of 16.10 metres at 2.49 g/t gold from 152.40 metres in hole MBDD027, including a higher grade section of 1.00 metre at 28.60 g/t gold from 159.50 metres, which is the deepest gold intersection recorded at MB01-N so far and extends mineralisation to about 160 metres vertical depth. The 2,950 metre maiden drilling programme is about 70 percent complete, with over 2,000 metres drilled across ten holes, drilling is progressing well with more results expected in the coming weeks, and drilling is planned to finish later in Q1 2026, after which a maiden JORC Resource will be prepared for MB01-N to add to the existing 870,000 ounce JORC Resource at the nearby MB01-S deposit.
Resolute Mining commits up to $190m to advance Doropo gold mine in Côte d’Ivoire
Resolute Mining plans to invest between $170 million and $190 million in 2026 to advance the Doropo gold project in Côte d’Ivoire as it moves toward construction and a final investment decision by mid-2026, pending mining permit approval, after acquiring the project from AngloGold Ashanti in May 2025, with early spending focused on earthworks, a construction camp, and mining equipment, while a feasibility study outlines production of about 170,000 ounces of gold per year over a 13 year mine life, a total project cost of $516 million, construction through 2027, and first gold in the first half of 2028, supporting Resolute’s goal to exceed 500,000 ounces of annual gold production by end 2028, backed by over $320 million in cash, access to capital, strong 2025 gold prices that lifted revenue by 30 percent, and contributing to Côte d’Ivoire’s aim to raise national gold output to 100 tons in the next decade.
Deadly Coltan Mine Collapse Shocks Eastern D.R. Congo
More than 200 people have died after a deadly collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local officials. A provincial adviser confirmed at least 227 deaths, and victims included miners, children, and women working in nearby markets. Around 20 injured people are being treated, while many others are feared buried after the landslide. The collapse happened during the rainy season, when the ground is unstable and mining becomes even more dangerous. Rubaya produces about 15 percent of the world’s coltan, a mineral used in phones, computers, aerospace equipment, and gas turbines. Most miners work by hand for only a few dollars a day, with little safety protection. The mine has been controlled by the AFC/M23 rebel group since 2024, and the United Nations says mineral revenues help fund the conflict, a claim Rwanda denies.
Algeria opens strategic railway to unlock major iron ore potential
Algeria has opened a new 950 kilometer railway linking its remote southwest to the coast, aiming to develop the long delayed Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit and reduce reliance on oil and gas. The railway was inaugurated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and built with support from Chinese companies. It allows the first shipments of iron ore from the Gara Djebilet mine near the Moroccan border to reach northern ports. The line connects the mine to Tindouf and Bechar, then continues to the Mediterranean through existing rail links. Mining work is led by Feraal, a Sonarem subsidiary, with China’s Sinosteel as a partner. Iron ore can now be transported to Oran, where a large steel plant is operated by Tosyali Holding. The project supports Algeria’s plan to diversify exports, as hydrocarbons still make up more than 75 percent of exports and about half of government revenues.
Editor: Vural Burç ÇAKIR