IMPACT’s Post

🌍 Big steps for #ResponsibleMining in Zimbabwe! The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project with funding from the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the UN Environment Programme and executed by IMPACT, in close coordination with the government of Zimbabwe, has launched a $23.7M USD project to reduce mercury use in artisanal gold mining. 💰⚒️ 👉 The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project aims to: ⚪ Reduce mercury use by 4.85 tonnes. ⚪ Improve health and safety for 7,500 miners across 11 districts. ⚪ Promote mercury-free technologies and traceable gold supply chains. Together, we're working for a safer, more responsible artisanal gold sector in Zimbabwe. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWgn8STQ #MakeMercuryHistory #ResponsibleGold #Zimbabwe #EthicalGold #ArtisanalMining #ASGM

A number of international players are now present in Mozambique and several companies are exploring the country’s vast mineral resources. Besides gold, coal and mineral sands, Mozambique hosts substantial deposits of Rare Earth Elements (REE), graphite, lithium, and gemstones. Around the active mines, hubs of suppliers have sprung up, particularly in Tete and in Pemba (in Cabo Delgado). In addition, Mozambique benefits from the vast availability of mining suppliers and expertise in neighbouring South Africa. WhyAfrica will be travelling through Mozambique on the third leg of the 2024 WhyAfrica Road Trip through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania. During this year’s 45-day trip we will attempt to visit more than 30 project sites and interview close to 40 stakeholders in the countries that we visit. The third leg of our trip is backed and endorsed by the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique (CMM) and our fantastic partners and sponsors, which we will be announcing soon. Remember, we still have partnership, sponsorship and advertising opportunities available so if you want to become part of this year's epic WhyAfrica story, contact us before the end of May to get the best deal.                   This is the first article in a series of articles about mining in Mozambique in the run up to the 2024 WhyAfrica Road Trip. Continue following WhyAfrica or visit our website to become a WhyAfrica member or subscribe to our magazines and newsletters and get all our updates and on the ground information and business intelligence about Africa. Read the full article by clicking on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on the ground information and business intelligence about Africa.   WhyAfrica specialises in the sustainable utilisation and responsible extraction of the natural resources in Africa. Leon Louw Geert Klok Chamber of Mines of Mozambique #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #AfricanRoots #100percentafrican #mozambique #mining #exploration #quarrying #agriculture #forestry #fisheries #infrastructure #energy #ESG #environmentalmanagement #tourism #travel #naturalresources #naturalresourcemangement #climatechange #extremeweather #biodiversity #conservation #carbonemissions #lithium #criticalminerals #REE #coal #gold #mineralsands Image credit: Kenmare Resources    https://lnkd.in/diU7pUWB

The Federal Government’s recent commitment to explore Nigeria’s deep seabed for solid mineral mining signals an exciting shift toward diversifying the nation’s economic base. This marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic evolution. The transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to one that embraces mineral resources opens new opportunities for sustainable growth. By tapping into our marine resources, particularly wave and tide energy, we can generate clean energy and reduce our dependence on oil. This is not just a plan for economic diversification but a visionary step toward achieving energy security and environmental sustainability. Nigeria’s rich marine and solid mineral resources, combined with global demand for clean energy and rare minerals, position us strategically to benefit from the blue economy. By advancing exploration and development in this sector, we can unlock new revenue streams, create jobs, and foster innovation. The deep-sea mining industry will require advanced technology and skilled labor, creating opportunities for capacity building and partnerships with international players. As we venture into this promising sector, it is crucial that the government and private sector work hand in hand to ensure the responsible exploitation of resources while maintaining environmental integrity. With the right investments and policies, Nigeria stands on the brink of a new era in its economic development, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come. #Nigeria #SeabedMining #SolidMinerals #CleanEnergy #BlueEconomy #Sustainability #EconomicDiversification #MarineResources #Innovation

NIGERIA AND FRANCE SIGN MOU TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE MINING AND CRITICAL MINERALS DEVELOPMENT Nigeria and France have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of joint projects aimed at enhancing and diversifying the critical minerals value chain within Nigeria's solid minerals sector. The agreement, formalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to France, highlights both nations’ commitment to advancing clean energy technologies by securing and developing critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential to the global transition to sustainable energy systems. A key component of the MOU is the promotion of sustainable mining practices. Both countries pledged to implement initiatives that focus on reducing the environmental impacts of mining, such as mitigating carbon emissions and water consumption, and addressing climate change concerns. The MOU also envisions joint ventures in extractive industries and processing, co-financed by both public and private entities, aimed at securing a reliable supply of critical minerals while promoting decarbonization in energy value chains. The agreement also outlines the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria and the restoration of post-mining landscapes, a critical step in tackling the country's legacy of environmental degradation. Capacity building is another focal point of the agreement, with provisions for bilateral training programs, seminars, and exchanges aimed at improving expertise within the critical minerals sector. Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized that the MOU supports the Tinubu administration’s plan to transform Nigeria's solid minerals sector into a globally competitive industry, creating opportunities for French investors in Nigeria's growing mining sector. This strategic partnership not only strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable economic diversification but also enhances international cooperation on sustainable mining practices. #CriticalMinerals #SustainableMining #NigeriaFrancePartnership #CleanEnergyTransition #MiningReform

Pleased to be part of the article: Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Change Dynamics Associated with Mining Activities in Kitwe District and Adequacy of the Legal Framework on Mine Closure in Zambia. #landuselandcover #landcoverchange #africa #mining #remotesensing #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment

Zambia tallies the costs of mining for electric batteries: The United States (US) leap-frogged competitors in the scramble for African minerals required to power the global energy transition when it signed an agreement with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022 for the development of a regional value chain in the electric vehicle battery sector. The agreement challenged the dominance of China, South Africa, Hong Kong, Mauritius and India as the traditional consumers of Zambian copper, gold, lithium, cobalt and manganese exports. It targeted large volumes of critical transition metals that occur in the Katanga Copperbelt, a mineral-rich strip stretching from Lualaba province in the south-eastern DRC to the Luapula province in northern Zambia. According to the US state department, the agreement aimed to “facilitate the development of an integrated value chain for the production of electric vehicle batteries in the DRC and Zambia, ranging from raw material extraction, to processing, manufacturing and assembly”. TRANSITION MINERALS The growing demand for transition minerals in the region has inspired a surge in exploration for and mining of copper, cobalt and manganese in Zambia. However, most of the mining activities are unsustainable and inflict costs on local communities, while bringing them no tangible benefits, says Vusumuzi Sibanda, the executive director of Lusaka-based non-governmental organisation Panos Institute Southern Africa. “Despite the existence of various policies and regulations to ensure mining is done in a sustainable manner which takes issues of public safety, public health and environmental protection into account, there are many loopholes which allow the mining industry to abuse communities and degrade the environment,” he says. “There is widespread air pollution, water pollution and environmental degradation in all mining areas in Zambia. These activities impact the health and livelihoods of people in mining areas.” Although Zambia has legal and policy frameworks designed to safeguard land ownership rights and security of tenure, these policies are rendered ineffective by the Mines and Minerals Development Act, which enables mining to take precedence over all other land uses when minerals are discovered, Sibanda says. This provision renders local communities vulnerable to evictions and other forms of human rights abuses by mining licence holders. Sibanda says most of the human rights violations common in mining areas are linked to high poverty levels which force people to give up their land. It also leaves them with no choice except to take up hard labour mining jobs for very little or no pay. “High levels of poverty in the mineral-rich areas suggest that Zambians are not benefitting from the growth of the mining industry yet. “The law makes it mandatory for mining companies to provide compensation to people affected by…

The Development of Nigeria's Solid Minerals Sector: Pipeline or Pipedream? Nigeria boasts vast reserves of solid minerals, a treasure trove encompassing columbite, tantalum, gold, limestone, kaolin, and many more. However, despite this immense potential, the development of the solid minerals sector remains a topic of debate. Is it a realistic "pipeline" to economic prosperity, or a mere "pipedream" destined for disappointment? Challenges Hinder Progress: Several significant hurdles impede the sector's progress: Informal Mining: Dominated by informal and artisanal mining practices, the sector struggles with inefficiency, safety hazards, and environmental degradation. Inadequate Infrastructure: Limited transportation networks, inadequate power supply, and a lack of processing facilities hamper efficient mineral extraction and value addition. Regulatory Uncertainties: Inconsistent policies, bureaucratic red tape, and unclear legal frameworks discourage potential investors. Security Concerns: Illegal mining activities and violence in resource-rich areas pose a significant security threat, further deterring investment. Reasons for Optimism: Despite these challenges, there are reasons to believe that the development of the solid minerals sector is achievable: Government Initiatives: The Nigerian government has acknowledged the sector's potential and introduced initiatives to improve regulation, attract investment, and promote formalization of artisanal mining. Growing Global Demand: The rising global demand for critical minerals used in renewable energy technologies and electronics presents a lucrative market opportunity for Nigeria's resources. *Private Sector Interest: Increased interest from domestic and international investors signifies growing confidence in the sector's potential. The Path Forward: Transforming the solid minerals sector from pipedream to pipeline requires a multi-pronged approach: Formalization and Capacity Building: Supporting artisanal miners to transition into formal operations, providing training, and equipping them with proper tools and techniques. Infrastructure Development: Investing in transportation networks, power generation, and establishing mineral processing facilities within Nigeria to add value to raw materials. Streamlining Regulations: Developing clear and consistent regulations that encourage responsible mining practices and attract investment while safeguarding the environment. Security Measures: Enhancing security in mining areas through collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and private security firms. The development of Nigeria's solid minerals sector holds immense potential for economic diversification and job creation. While challenges remain, recent government initiatives and a growing global demand for critical minerals offer a window of opportunity. https://lnkd.in/da6NSYEF

NEWSFLASH: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT. FG ENDORSES PLAN TO SET UP MIREMCO IN ENUGU STATE The Federal Government and Enugu State agreed today to set up the state's Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to monitor mining companies' compliance with environmental standards. The move intensifies collaboration to enhance the development of the mining sector in the coal-rich state. Hosting Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, in his office, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake emphasized the state's historic economic significance during the colonial era and highlighted its potential for renewed economic prominence through solid minerals. "Now that we have our own independence of thought and action, Enugu is the way to go. We are collaborating with Enugu and other states to ensure that the benefits accruable from the solid minerals sector are available to all Nigerians," Alake stated. In his remarks, Governor Mba stressed that his administration's commitment to harnessing Enugu's vast mineral resources in partnership with the Federal Government prompted his visit to the Minister. The governor thanked the Minister for his decision to accelerate the state's plan to set up MIREMCO to address the menace of illegal mining, lauding Dr. Alake for his support in expediting the process. "The minute the Minister received my application on setting up MIREMCO, he immediately called the relevant officer and mandated him to ensure the process for the establishment of the committee is fast-tracked. We believe that with the setting up of MIREMCO in Enugu, we will be able to curb the activities of illegal miners and those racketeering licenses," Gov. Mbah said. It will be recalled that the Minister met Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) some weeks ago, where he sued for cooperation to enhance the development of the mining sector. The parley with Gov. Mbah is in furtherance of engagements to bolster partnerships with sub-nationals to foster a conducive environment for mining operations across the country. #hammidbakare #OpeningMonologue #fypyou #News #tiktoknewsupdate #RenewedHopePolicies #GreatnessIsComing #southeastnigeria #Enugu #DeleAlake #Nigeria

Zambia tallies the costs of mining for electric batteries: The United States leap-frogged competitors in the scramble for African minerals required to power the global energy transition when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in late 2022 for the development of a regional value chain in the electric vehicle battery sector. The MoU challenged the dominance of China, South Africa, Hong Kong, Mauritius and India as the traditional consumers of Zambian copper, gold, lithium, cobalt and manganese exports. It targeted large volumes of critical transition metals that occur in the Katanga Copperbelt, a mineral-rich strip stretching from Lualaba Province in the south-eastern DRC to the Luapula province in northern Zambia. According to the US state department, the MOU aimed to “facilitate the development of an integrated value chain for the production of electric vehicle batteries in the DRC and Zambia, ranging from raw material extraction, to processing, manufacturing and assembly”. Map of the Copperbelt region, courtesy USGS Open-File Report 2005-1294-E, Link Transition minerals The growing demand for transition minerals in the region has inspired a surge in exploration for and mining of copper, cobalt and manganese in Zambia. However, most of the mining activities are unsustainable and inflict costs on local communities while bringing them no tangible benefits, said Vusumuzi Sifile Sibanda, executive director of Lusaka-based NGO Panos Institute Southern Africa. “Despite the existence of various policies and regulations to ensure mining is done in a sustainable manner which takes issues of public safety, public health and environmental protection into account, there are many loopholes which allow the mining industry to abuse communities and degrade the environment,” he said. “There is widespread air pollution, water pollution and environmental degradation in all mining areas in Zambia. These activities impact on the health and livelihoods of people in mining areas.” Although Zambia has legal and policy frameworks designed to safeguard land ownership rights and security of tenure, these policies are rendered ineffective by the Mines and Minerals Development Act, which enables mining to take precedence over all other land uses when minerals are discovered, Sibanda said. This provision renders local communities vulnerable to evictions and other forms of human rights abuses by mining licence holders. Sibanda said most of the human rights violations common in mining areas are linked to high poverty levels which force people to give up their land. It also leaves them with no choice except to take up hard labour mining jobs for very little or no pay. “High levels of poverty in the mineral-rich areas suggest that Zambians are not benefiting from the growth of the mining industry yet. The law makes it mandatory for mining…

This Thursday, December 19th, 2024 Executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Hyacinth Iormem Alia approved the appointments and creation of two important agencies of government; Benue State Geo-Mining Company Nigeria Limited and Bureau for Solid Minerals respectively. The first will be headed by seasoned Geologist Erdoo Mongol as Managing Director/CEO and later by Mr. Stephen Utah who before now served as Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor on Solid Minerals as Executive Secretary. These two appointments does signal the serious intent of Benue State to aggressively develop the enormous diverse Solid Minerals in the state. As, Secretary General: Association of Miners and Processors of Barite (#AMABOP), Secretary: Miners Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter as well as Vice President (#Mines) Benue Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (#BECCIMA), Our Association warmly welcomed and pledge our collective support for these appointments and thus extend hands of cooperation, collaboration and commitment towards ensuring that the good people of the state witnesses rapid development through efficient resource management. These appointments were announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor: Sir Tersoo Kula, MNIPR Finally, I want the appointees to throw their weight in support of making usage of locally sourced #barite a top priority by getting the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and #NCDMB to call IOCs and NOCs to order and actively #monitor unbundling and signing of off take agreements with licensed #barite Miners. It's gratifying that PolyGuard Investment Nigeria Ltd has both the #quality and #quantity to support local sourcing of #barite. For the record, Benue State has ample deposits of these diverse Minerals; #lead, #zinc, #lithium, #fluorite, #gold, #coal, #limestone, #gemstones, #barite amongst many choice Minerals. I will strongly recommend a meeting with financial institutions; Nigerian Export Import Bank - NEXIM, Bank of Industry (#BOI) and @Solid Minerals Development Fund (#SMDF) to crystallise the need for structured funding of the Mineral and Mining Companies to scale productivity. Let's connect to discuss your needs. https://lnkd.in/dqcs9nG patrick@polyguardinvestmentng.com +2347034879140 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) African Union African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Nigerian Export Import Bank - NEXIM Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Chevron TotalEnergies Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd, Lagos, Nigeria ExxonMobil