mining

Algeria's New Law: A Paradigm Shift in Mining and Economic Diversification Algeria's parliament recently approved a landmark law that transforms the landscape of its mining industry. This significant legislation allows foreign companies to own up to 80% of mining projects, signaling a bold new direction for this OPEC nation as it strives to diversify its economy. Have we reached a turning point in Algeria’s economic narrative? Only time will tell. A resounding majority of lawmakers supported this initiative during…

In a decisive moment for Gabon’s economic future, President Brice Oligui Nguema has put forth an ambitious initiative aimed at industrializing the nation’s economy. This initiative isn’t just a flash in the pan; it is a calculated effort to harness Gabon's vast natural resources, transforming them into high-value goods that can benefit the entire population. As he articulated during his announcement, Oligui envisions a Gabon that thrives on its own merits, moving beyond mere extraction and embarking on a journey of true…

Unlocking the Potential of Ghana's Gold Industry Ghana stands on the brink of a remarkable opportunity. According to Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, the nation could generate a staggering $12 billion annually from small-scale gold production if it successfully doubles its output as planned. This ambitious goal isn’t just a number; it’s a potential game-changer for the country’s economy, and it underscores the vital role that gold plays in Ghanaian society. The surge in gold exports reflects not…

In a dramatic turn of events, Augustin Matata Ponyo, the former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been handed a ten-year sentence of forced labor for his role in the embezzlement of approximately $245 million in public funds. Joining him in this legal debacle is Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the central bank, who has received a five-year sentence. The echoes of this case reverberate through the halls of Congolese politics, raising questions about accountability and governance. The…

The Dynamic Intersection of U.S. Investment and DR Congo's Mineral Wealth In a landscape marked by strategic maneuvers and fluctuating allegiances, a U.S. mining company is making waves in the rich mineral basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). With backing from prominent figures such as Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, this initiative aims to secure vital rare minerals necessary for the energy transition. It's not merely a business venture; it’s a significant play to contend with China’s longstanding…

On Wednesday, the Ashanti Green Initiative (AGI) hosted a high-profile virtual briefing that provided an engaging preview for the Mining in Motion Summit, which is scheduled to unfold from June 2 to 4, 2025, in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana. This significant event is not just a milestone on the calendar; it embodies a pivotal moment for the mining sector in Ghana, particularly in regards to the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Leading the webinar was Charles Kwarteng Antwi, a renowned expert in mining…

In a significant move to strengthen the partnership cultivated through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, recently inaugurated by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa, the Ministers of Solid Minerals from both countries have taken a substantial step forward. They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines fundamental areas of cooperation, complete with clear implementation timelines aimed at nurturing a more vibrant mining sector. During the bilateral meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria's…

As the sun set over South Africa, signaling the start of the Easter weekend, the nation’s police forces prepared for an ambitious initiative aimed at curtailing a range of criminal activities. The focus shifted to illegal mining, drug trafficking, and the challenges posed by undocumented foreign nationals. This relentless pursuit of justice unfolded across various provinces, showcasing the law enforcement community’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public safety. Throughout the weekend, law enforcement officers…

Over a decade ago, nations within the Great Lakes region united under a mineral certification scheme, aimed at curtailing the illegal exploitation of vital minerals. This endeavor was not merely bureaucratic; it sought to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in a region often marred by strife. Yet, experts now caution that the promised progress has been minimal, leaving the specter of conflict still looming over these resource-rich lands. During a recent congregation at the International Conference on the…

It was a typical bustling afternoon when the minister, an unwavering gaze poised for the daunting task ahead, stood to address the myriad of issues plaguing Ghana. His commitment was clear. With unwavering resolve, he revealed significant measures put in place to tackle an old adversary that continues to gnaw at the heart of Ghana’s environmental heritage. This revelation came as part of a sophisticated stratagem aimed squarely at obliterating illegal mining, a creeping blight known locally as galamsey, which persists…