Mining

Côte d’Ivoire launches bold partnership to reform artisanal gold mining

World Bank and gold council back Côte d’Ivoire’s small-scale mining transformation

In a decisive move to tackle the challenges of illicit gold trade and formalise its artisanal mining sector, Côte d’Ivoire has partnered with the World Bank and the World Gold Council in a new initiative aimed at transforming small-scale gold mining into a safer, more transparent, and economically beneficial industry

The Multistakeholder Partnership for Sustainable and Responsible Small-Scale Mining (MSPI), launched today, brings together major players including Endeavor Mining, Perseus Mining, and the Chamber of Mines of Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative seeks to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners into a regulated, traceable gold supply chain.

“Côte d’Ivoire is leading the way in transforming artisanal and small-scale mining into a more professional, regulated sector,” said Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, minister of mines, petroleum, and energy of Côte d’Ivoire. He described the partnership as a “crucial step” toward making small-scale mining “safer, more transparent, and a driver of development, growth, and job creation.”

The reform comes in response to the sector’s longstanding issues with smuggling, environmental degradation, and weak regulation. In 2022 alone, the country lost an estimated 40 tons of gold—worth more than US$2bn at the time—due to illegal exports.

The MSPI initiative aims to address these challenges by improving mine sites, processing infrastructure, and legal market access for small-scale miners. It also outlines collaborative mechanisms between large-scale industrial operators and artisanal miners. These include training, assistance with adopting international environmental and social standards, and support in accessing legitimate trading channels.

“Artisanal mining holds enormous potential to add tremendous value to Côte d’Ivoire’s economy and to lift people out of poverty, but only if it is made safe, legal, and sustainable,” said Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Division Director for Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo. “This is a truly innovative mechanism for bringing together large mining companies and small artisanal miners, providing opportunities for additional domestic resources to support development and create decent jobs for youth and women.”

The World Bank will assist the Ivorian government in aligning its practices with international gold production standards. Meanwhile, the World Gold Council will work with companies to establish model small-scale mines, improve supply chain infrastructure, and ensure traceability through partnerships with institutions like the London Bullion Market Association.

Terry Heymann, chief strategy officer of the World Gold Council, called the agreement “a groundbreaking and innovative approach” to responsible mining. “By fostering collaboration between industrial and artisanal miners, we can raise environmental and social standards, exclude illicit actors, and deliver shared benefits for governments, communities, miners, and the global gold market.”

Although Barrick Mining Corporation has contributed to the initiative’s development through its Tongon mine, it is not currently a participant due to ongoing sale negotiations. However, Barrick has stated it will encourage the new owner to engage with the partnership.

As countries across West Africa continue to navigate the complexities of artisanal mining, Côte d’Ivoire’s MSPI could serve as a regional blueprint for integrating informal mining into the formal economy while supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands.

Transnet, UMK sign manganese rail deal

Transnet and UMK enter 10-year manganese transport agreement under MECA framework

Transnet SOC Ltd and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) have signed a 10-year agreement for transporting manganese by rail from UMK’s Northern Cape mine to export ports

The deal falls under the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 framework, through which Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to South African manganese producers. The long-term commitment reflects UMK’s confidence in Transnet’s capability to support access to global markets efficiently.

Transnet group CEO, Michelle Phillips, said, “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme. This agreement is a clear demonstration of our customers’ confidence in the efficiency and reliability of our services. It also bodes well for Transnet’s growth and sustainability, which is underpinned by our ambitious Reinvent for Growth Strategy amid various reform initiatives within the freight logistics sector.”

UMK CEO, Malcolm Curror, emphasised the importance of reliable rail freight, “By enabling the efficient movement of bulk commodities such as manganese, MECA not only positively adds to our national export capability but also to a greater competitive revitalisation of the country’s logistics network.”

He added that this efficiency is vital for sustaining economic growth and encouraging investment across sectors.

Curror also noted, “The MECA agreement holds significant and broader relevance to current national dialogue regarding the mining sector in South Africa.”

Ivanhoe Mines reports Q2 copper production and project updates

The heat-up of Kamoa-Kakula’s state-of-the-art, 500,000-tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter is expected to start in September 2025. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Ivanhoe Mines has released its production results for the second quarter of 2025, along with updates on its operational and project activities

During Q2, the Kamoa-Kakula Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators processed 3.62 million tonnes of ore, resulting in 112,009 tonnes of copper output — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.

The company confirmed that 'Stage One' dewatering measures have been operating according to plan since June 2, 2025. Water levels on the eastern side of the Kakula Mine have started to fall ahead of the 'Stage Two' dewatering phase, scheduled to begin next month. Five high-capacity submersible pumps, currently being assembled in China, are expected to be delivered to site soon.

Mining on the western side of the Kakula Mine resumed in early June. By mid-month, the mining rate reached 300,000 tonnes per month, with copper grades ranging between 3% and 4%.

Consequently, since mid-June, the Phase 1 and 2 concentrators have ramped up to a combined processing rate of 670,000 tonnes per month, equivalent to 8 million tonnes per year.

Ivanhoe also confirmed that underground development of a new mining area on the far eastern side of the Kakula Mine has commenced. Two new access drives are being developed from existing underground infrastructure.

Founder and co-chairman Robert Friedland praised the company’s teams and provided an in-depth outlook: “We commend the hard work and dedication of our management team, mining and engineering crews at Kamoa-Kakula, who continue to work tirelessly to turn around operations at Kakula.

“Operational recovery plans are well underway at Kamoa-Kakula following the decisive and proactive actions undertaken by management in response to the seismic activity first announced on May 20. Safety of our employees and contractors remains our top priority at Kamoa-Kakula and we are now systematically and judiciously increasing development activities to increase the supply of high-grade, fresh ore to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators from mining areas on the western side of the Kakula ore body. We expect to return to mining areas grading approximately 5% copper on the western side of Kakula towards the end of the year, which will drive a further improvement in operating results and efficiency.

“Meanwhile, we have commenced development towards a new high-grade mining area on the far eastern side of Kakula, which is expected to provide additional high-grade ore by Q2 2026. We also expect to transport excess ore from the Kamoa and Kansoko mines, which continue to outperform on all metrics, to further augment feed of fresh material to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators as soon as possible.

“Dewatering efforts of the Kakula Mine are proceeding to plan, which will provide us access to assess additional high-grade ore from the affected workings that can be safely mined to feed the Phase 1 and Phase 2 concentrators.

“We also commend our management team at Kipushi for a strong quarterly operating performance. Kipushi is now well on track as one of the world’s largest, highest-grade, and greenest major zinc mines. Lastly, but certainly not least, we are extremely excited for first production at Platreef later this year which will set the stage for a phased expansion that is set to position the operation as the world’s largest, and lowest-cost producer of platinum-group metals, nickel, copper, and gold. Given the current rally in platinum-group metals prices and the rising interest in these metals, we firmly believe Platreef is positioned to emerge at the right moment in the cycle to deliver exceptional returns for our shareholders.”

Also read: Ivanhoe Mines reports strong Q1 progress

Barrick advances exploration, sustainability at Kibali gold mine

Kibali mine drives sustainable growth and exploration success. (Image source: Barrick Gold Corporation)

Barrick Gold Corporation has reported encouraging exploration progress along the ARK-KCD corridor, reinforcing the potential for further mineral discoveries at Kibali, the largest and most environmentally conscious gold mine in Africa

The latest drill results show expanding mineralisation across lateral and downward extensions within the ARK-KCD system. This suggests significant opportunity to grow the mine’s reserves within its current footprint, Barrick announced during a media event in Kinshasa.

Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said the new geological insights point to a well-defined structural zone that could support additional high-grade orebodies.

“Kibali was built with a long-term view and has consistently delivered across production, partnerships and reserve growth. We’ve replaced every ounce we’ve mined and more since Kibali poured its first gold in 2013, and the ARK-KCD corridor shows that there’s still much more to come,” he stated.

Since inception, the Kibali operation has invested over US$6.3bn in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with US$3.1bn of that paid directly to local contractors and partners. The mine remains the biggest economic engine in northeastern DRC, spanning the provinces of Haut-Uele and Ituri.

Mining operations at satellite pits — Kalimva, Ikamva, and Ndala — are being conducted through contracts with Congolese businesses. Over 700 local companies benefit from supply chain opportunities and capacity-building initiatives. Procurement processes are managed transparently in collaboration with the DRC’s subcontracting authority, ARSP.

“Kibali is more than a mine. It’s a partnership that anchors the regional economy. It’s Congolese-led, Congolese-supplied and built to last. We’re proud of the model we’ve created here — one that delivers shared value every step of the way,” Bristow added.

Operational enhancements underway in the underground section are expected to yield productivity improvements in Q3, with a focus on cost efficiency and performance optimisation. The site’s renewable energy capacity has also been upgraded with the commissioning of a 16MW solar plant and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), allowing Kibali to operate on 100% renewables for half the year and lifting its total renewable energy usage to 85%.

“This is what the energy transition looks like in practice. It’s a benchmark not just for Africa but for the global mining industry,” said Bristow.

As part of its broader environmental commitments, Barrick is also deepening its involvement in biodiversity restoration. In collaboration with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation and African Parks, plans are in motion to relocate 64 white rhinos to Garamba National Park by year-end — a continuation of the rewilding initiative that began with 16 rhinos in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Barrick Academy continues to promote local skills development, with 170 employees participating in training programmes during the second quarter.

Community development is also progressing steadily. Of the 44 projects funded via Kibali’s 0.3% community fund, 41 have been completed, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Additionally, US$4.8mn has been invested in executing the mine’s legally mandated social responsibility commitments under the Cahier des Charges framework.

“Kibali is our blueprint for sustainable growth in the DRC. Built on a foundation that is technically sound, socially rooted, and environmentally responsible, it reflects our long-term vision. The experience and lessons gained here in one of the world’s toughest mining environments will guide us as we look to expand our in-country portfolio to include not just more gold but also copper projects,” Bristow concluded.

Africa is early adopter of rail-running conveyors from FLS

FLS and University of Newcastle launch energy-saving conveyor in Africa mine. (Image source: FLS)

An African mine will be among the first adopters of the innovative Rail-Running Conveyor (RRC) technology, commercialised by full flowsheet provider FLS in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, Australia

Designed to dramatically reduce energy consumption, improve safety and cut capital and operating expenditure, Rail-Running Conveyors are a gamechanger for mines which must rely on extended conveying distances to move material. Any mine that carries substantial tonnages over more than 500 to 1,000 m can achieve far higher efficiencies using this technology.

The first full-scale operational system will be commissioned in southern Africa in mid-2025. It is designed to carry 5,000 mtph of copper ore over a 3,25 km run, and is expected to save approximately US$1mn each year in power costs when compared to a conventional trough conveyor.

A second system, destined for the same mining customer at a mine in the Americas, has also been under construction and will carry around 13,000 mtph, also delivering significant power savings and safety improvements.

The energy losses incurred by an RRC is anything between one-fifth to one-tenth of those experienced by traditional trough and pipe conveyor systems respectively. The friction losses on a conventional long distance conveyor largely determine the power capacity that must be installed, the size of the structures required and the downtime incurred to maintain and replace pulleys and drives. Reducing these energy losses therefore has a positive knock-on effect on the costs of a range of other aspects.

Customers achieve savings on the scope of the conveyor equipment itself, the cut-and-fill civils requirements, the volumes of concrete used, the strength of the belt and the number of drive stations necessary. Due to the lower tension acting on the conveyor belt, a lower rating of belt is possible. Faster speeds and a deeper trough also mean that a narrower belt may suffice for the same throughput. Importantly, the rating of the drives does not need to be as high.

Where a 6MW drive may be specified for a conventional conveyor, for instance, this technology may allow a 2MW drive to be installed. This then has further positive impacts on the ratings required for motors, transformers, E-houses and power supply.

The head and the tail of an RRC remain the same as in traditional systems with the rail-running section making up the bulk of the distance. The basic mode of transport is steel-wheel-on-steel-rail instead of a belt running over idlers. This fundamental difference is what cuts energy consumption so drastically.

The system uses small carriages to carry the belt and these are automatically exchanged at maintenance houses when required. This removes the safety risks associated with personnel changing out idlers out along the length of the conveyor. Having fewer transfer points also has a safety benefit as these can be sources of injury during maintenance as well as health threats from dust exposure.