mining

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…

SpaceX's Starship, a behemoth in the realm of space exploration, has encountered another setback. During its latest test flight, contact was lost with ground controllers, leading to a dramatic fall from space and an explosion. As a result, airports across southern Florida experienced ground stops. This incident, reminiscent of a previous mishap, could represent a substantial setback for SpaceX. This latest endeavor, however, wasn't just another routine test flight. The entire space industry…

Mali's Mining Landscape: An Era of Reform and Reflection As Mali's Council of Ministers announced, there is a newly imposed halt on the issuance of artisanal mining permits to foreigners. This measure stands amidst ongoing investigations prompted by a recent, heart-wrenching mining calamity. A stark reality looms over us: how do we balance economic pursuits with the sanctity of human lives? This thoughtful pause is an aftermath of a catastrophic mining accident just a month ago. A tragedy that took over 40…

Professor Nana Browne Klutse, the interim head of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has sounded the alarm. Calling the situation an emergency, she reaches out to international partners, urging them to support Ghana’s reclamation efforts. But what does it mean when land crying out for healing is left unattended due to financial constraints? In a recent dialogue with the Ghana News Agency, Professor Klutse shared how a World Bank initiative had managed to reclaim some land—though, regrettably, only on a pilot…