Topic
Mining
News & analysis tagged Mining — diplomacy, politics, and global affairs coverage from Model Diplomat.
11 Stories
Congo Ships First Lithium, Beijing Wins Race
Zijin Mining ships DRC's first lithium exports to China, locking in a first-mover advantage as U.S. legal and infrastructure efforts fail to deliver a single tonne of concentrate.
2026-07-19
China Wins the Lithium Race at Manono
China's Zijin Mining ships first lithium concentrate from DRC's Manono deposit, winning a three-year legal and infrastructure race against Western rivals. The $1 billion bet on production over arbitration cements Beijing's control of Africa's largest hard-rock lithium deposit.
2026-07-19
Cameroon's $3.1B Mining Gap
Cameroon's $3.1 billion mining pivot from oil to iron ore faces a funding gap: only the Minim Martap bauxite project has financing, while three iron ore projects lack construction capital.
2026-07-19
Copper supply gap threatens electrification
Rising copper demand for EVs and renewables outpaces supply as ore grades decline and new mines take 16+ years. World Bank warns 230% production increase needed by 2050.
2026-07-18
DRC Tax Raid Threatens US $9B Congo Minerals
DRC tax authorities seal Glencore's Kamoto offices over transfer-pricing dispute, threatening US-backed $9 billion critical minerals deal for 40% stake in copper-cobalt mines.
2026-07-16
Kast's Mining Reform Bets Chile's $104bn
Kast's National Reconstruction Bill proposes tax cuts and investment shields to revive Chile's $104 billion mining pipeline, but Senate support is uncertain.
2026-07-09
Sherritt Exits Cuba: OFAC Sanctions Impact
Sherritt International suspends its Cuban joint venture after US sanctions target GAESA executive, impacting cobalt prices and Cuba's economy.
2026-07-08
Trump Greenlights Hermosa Mine in Arizona
The Trump administration approves South32's Hermosa Mine, a $3.3 billion project, as a strategic move against Chinese mineral dependency.
2026-07-07
GreenMet's Rare Earths Hub and Pentagon Ban
GreenMet unveils a $150M rare earths processing hub in West Virginia, timed with the Pentagon's 2027 ban on Chinese-origin materials.
2026-07-07
Bikita Minerals Bets $400M on Lithium Plant
Sinomine's $400M lithium sulphate plant in Zimbabwe aims to transform the country into a key player in the battery supply chain, enhancing China's control.
2026-07-07
Senate Repeals Minnesota Mining Ban for Twin
The Senate's repeal of a 20-year mining moratorium in Minnesota allows Twin Metals to proceed, raising concerns over environmental impacts and foreign ownership.
2026-04-17