Africa

De Beers Group says is progressing development of the first blockchain technology initiative to span the diamond value chain and provide a single, tamper-proof and permanent digital record for every diamond registered on the platform. The initiative will underpin confidence in diamonds and the diamond industry by ensuring that all …

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) have set aside $25-million in concessional loans for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Mauritius and Rwanda. According to ADFD the projects have potential to significantly transform the lives of more than 2.5-million people and alleviate poverty …

Solutions provider Atlas Copco has announced intentions to acquire the assets of Renegade Drilling Supplies a South African manufacturer and distributor of drilling consumables for mining exploration. According to the Group the business will become part of Epiroc South Africa’s Rock Drilling Tools division. Epiroc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of …

Volt Resources has raised $4.7-million to support the fast-tracking development at its flagship Bunyu graphite project, in Tanzania. “Volt is now strategically positioned to execute on a number of operational milestones as part of the stage 1 development of Bunyu, with near-term deliverables to include the finalisation of all project …

British junior miner Firestone Diamonds has agreed to extend the option period granted to Amulet Diamond Corporation (Amulet) to purchase Firestone’s BK11 asset until 31 December 2018. BK11 is a diamond asset in Botswana, currently on care and maintenance. Amulet is funding the construction and operation of a bulk sampling …

Newly formed Tanzania Ministry for Energy has committed to an indicative timeline for the completion of the MOU for the fast-tracking of the Mbeya Coal to Power Project (MCPP). The project developer multi-asset African focused energy and resource company, Kibo Mining is optimistic following the decision. “Our focus on positioning …

Tanzanian-focused flake graphite development company Volt Resources Limited has announced intentions to proceed with the issue of US$40 million in structured debt funding. Volt has engaged Exotix Capital to undertake a Tanzanian Bond issue to raise the required funding for the development of Stage 1 of the Bunyu project. Exotix has recommended …

Kibo Mining has vowed to remain committed to Tanzania’s Mbeya Coal to Power Project (MCPP) project despite the company’s expansion into Botswana. Louis Coetzee, Kibo Mining Chief Executive Officer  allayed fears associated with the company shifting focusing, adding that the project is critically important. “Nothing can be further from the …

Rainbow Rare Earths has exported its first shipment of rare earth concentrate from its Gakara project in Burundi. Gakara is one of the highest-grade rare earth element mining projects globally, with an estimated in situ grade of 67% total rare earth oxide. Rainbow said that 25 t of high-grade rare …

Ethiopia’s Federal Supreme Court has eliminated all claims against gold miner Kefi Minerals, The ruling has released the company from potential liability regarding an inherited claim for damages. Earlier this year, a court judgment reduced the company’s liability from $12-million to $600 000. “If another appeal is raised, which remains …