mines

Mali has officially taken control of the Yatela and Morila gold mines—two sites that had previously been left abandoned by their foreign owners, according to a government announcement over the weekend. This significant move reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where military-led governments are increasingly asserting control over strategic natural resources in response to soaring gold prices. The aim? To invigorate local economies and lessen reliance on foreign entities. Gold is not just a shiny metal; it represents…

In a significant step towards enhancing regional energy infrastructure, HYDRO-LINK, a specialized company based in the United States, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a 1,150-kilometer (720 miles) electricity transmission line linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This $1.5 billion endeavor is anchored by a recent memorandum of understanding with the Angolan government. The DRC, endowed with a wealth of minerals, faces an acute challenge: an erratic power supply that stifles its…

Burkina Faso has taken a monumental step toward asserting control over its natural resources by officially transferring five gold mining assets to its state-owned mining company. This move marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to enhance its sovereignty and economic position in the global mining industry. This transition was confirmed through a decree published late Wednesday, signaling the completion of a process that began in August 2023. The government’s actions reflect a growing desire to centralize management…

In a significant pivot, Burkina Faso is gearing up to enhance its governance over foreign-owned industrial mines. This move, articulated by its Prime Minister, reflects the nation’s desire to secure a more substantial share of revenue from its rich natural resources. After all, in a world where resources can dictate power dynamics, isn’t it only prudent for countries to assert their rightful control? The shift comes on the heels of similar actions taken by neighboring nations, notably Mali and Niger. In a bold stride…

This is one of the effects of Sudan's return to the international scene, mining companies flock there to invest in gold and copper in particular. On June 17, the government granted nine mining concessions, eight for gold and one for copper. Companies from all over the world can now invest without worries since the lifting of US sanctions.…

Russian mercenaries have captured everything in Libya, from streets and houses to dolls, following the attack on the capital Tripoli, launched by Putist general Khalifa Haftar, the British daily The Independent reported on Monday. "Russian mercenaries fled the Libyan capital last summer, leaving behind booby-trapped houses and farms," ​​the newspaper quoted Libyan demining experts as saying. "They (Russian mercenaries) attached explosives to toilet seats, doors and teddy bears, designed to detonate when touched."…

One of the largest underground uranium mines in the world is closing its doors. Akouta Mining Company (Cominak), a subsidiary of Orano Cycle (French multinational, formerly Areva), which has been using uranium deposits in the province of Agadez in northern Niger since 1978, will stop production on Wednesday 31 March. A closure carried out under unsatisfactory conditions for non-governmental organizations which, in addition to the social…

In Burkina Faso, the security situation continues to deteriorate in Soum province, in the north of the country, on the border with Mali. For several weeks, armed men have taken control of gold laundries, one of the most important economic activities in the region. This is especially the case with the Inata mine. "Today it is…