The Kabanga Nickel Project camp. (Image source: Lifezone Metals)

Lifezone Metals, a modern metals company which aims to provide cleaner and more responsible metals production and recycling, has signed an MoU to support Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) in its efforts to secure cleaner metals for the Japanese battery industry

The MoU is focused around the Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania which was acquired by Lifezone Metals in 2021. Believed to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulphide deposits, Lifezone Metals is seeking to pair the project with its Hydromet Technology in order to unlock a new source of LME-grade nickel, copper and cobalt for the global battery markets while empowering Tanzania to achieve full in-country value creation.

“Kabanga is a world-class, high-grade nickel deposit and we welcome the opportunity to bring on JOGMEC as a strategically aligned partner,” remarked Lifezone Metals CEO, Chris Showalter. “With BHP as our project development partner, Societe Generale as our lead financial advisor for the project financing process, the support of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Government of Tanzania, and now strategic cooperation with JOGMEC – a Japanese government independent administrative agency for energy and metals, we see a clear indication of intent to drive this globally significant project forward to the benefit of all partners and stakeholders.”

Sustainable supply

Under the MoU, Lifezone Metals has agreed to collaborate with JOGMEC to facilitate the supply of metals from Kabanga, through Lifezone Metals’ portion of marketing rights, for Japan’s growing battery industry. Ensure a sustainable and traceable metals supply chain, the initiative aligns with both organisation’s commitments to advancing responsible mining practices and supporting the global transition to clean energy.

JOGMEC will consider providing financial support for Japanese companies upon its submittal of an application for the Japanese Governmental funding support programme. This potential investment underscores the importance of the Kabanga Nickel Project in meeting the increasing demand of Japanese industry for cleaner metals.

According to Karambua, there are opportunities for growth and innovation amongst the challenges facing Namibia’s mining sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Julien Karambua, MD at Workforce Staffing Namibia, explores the challenges facing Namibia’s mining sector and how companies can chart a course for progress

Namibia's mining sector, a cornerstone of the country's economy, is undergoing a significant resurgence, particularly around uranium and gold mining. However, while the potential for growth is significant, the sector faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustained progress and stability.

Volatility in commodity prices

The prices of key minerals such as uranium, iron ore, cobalt, and lithium have fluctuated considerably in recent years, creating uncertainty for mining operations. This volatility often leads to halts in production and delays in new projects, affecting both operational efficiency and financial planning. Mining companies need to develop strategies that account for these fluctuations, ensuring resilience in the face of market instability.

Infrastructure challenges

A major hurdle for Namibia’s mining industry is the country’s lack of railway infrastructure. The efficient and cost-effective transport of minerals is crucial for maintaining profitability, but the current reliance on trucks as a result of underdeveloped rail networks drives up logistics costs. Investing in and upgrading Namibia’s railway system would allow mining companies to reduce transportation expenses and streamline their supply chains.

Government restrictions

In recent years, the Namibian Government has introduced policies aimed at promoting local job creation and adding value within the country by limiting the export of raw minerals. While the long-term goal of this policy is to stimulate economic growth and retain more benefits within Namibia, it has led to short-term disruptions. Mines are currently stockpiling raw materials, awaiting the completion of processing plants that will enable the export of processed minerals.

Strategies to facilitate growth

The cyclical nature of commodity markets means that mining projects often experience fluctuating demands. Mining companies must adopt flexible workforce strategies that allow them to scale operations up or down according to market conditions. By anticipating changes in demand, companies can optimise their resource allocation and avoid the high costs associated with maintaining a permanent workforce during downturns.

In addition, to achieve sustainable growth, it is crucial to focus on developing local skills and creating employment opportunities within Namibia. With a growing number of projects coming online, there is a pressing need for trained professionals in various aspects of mining operations.

Mining companies can invest in local training initiatives and collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills required to meet industry demands. This not only aligns with Government objectives but also reduces the sector’s reliance on foreign labour. In addition, they should focus on compliance with local laws including employment regulations, and workplace safety standards. By adhering to these requirements, companies not only avoid legal penalties but also build stronger relationships with the Government and local communities, fostering a more stable operational environment.

A path forward

As Namibia works to develop a sustainable mining sector, the transfer of skills from expatriates to local workers is essential. It is important for mining companies to focus on structured and measurable skills transfer programmes, ensuring that local employees receive the necessary training to take on more specialised roles over time. This process not only helps build capacity within Namibia but also contributes to long-term job creation and the growth of a skilled workforce.

While the challenges facing Namibia’s mining sector are significant, they also present opportunities for growth and innovation. By focusing on workforce development, investing in infrastructure, and adapting to fluctuating market conditions, the industry can continue to thrive. Mining companies operating in Namibia must prioritise local talent development, ensure compliance with regulations, and adopt flexible operational strategies that allow them to navigate the complexities of the market.

Barrick is aiming to turn Lumwana into one of the world’s major copper mines. (Image source: Barrick)

Barrick Gold Corporation, a mining company that produces gold and copper, has awarded a major contract around its Lumwana project in Zambia to Metso, a provider of solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries

Already a significant contributor to Barrick’s copper portfolio, the expansion of the project in Zambia's North-Western Province aims to transform it into one of the world’s major copper mines, with a projected annual production of 240,000 tons of copper.

To achieve this, Barrick has called upon the services of Metso, presenting a contract of EU €70mn(approx. US$78mn). This will include delivery of key equipment for grinding, flotation, thickening, feeding, and filtration.

Planet Positive

“We are honoured to have been selected by Barrick as the strategic partner for this project. The copper concentrate production process in Lumwana has been designed with sustainability and production efficiency in mind, with most of the equipment selected from our Planet Positive offering,” remarked Markku Teräsvasara, president of the Minerals business area and deputy CEO of Metso.

The Planet Positive offering was made clear earlier this year when Metso announced an expansion to its solvent extraction offering and introduced the VSF X solvent extraction plant with an extended scope. Click here to learn more about these solutions.

Thierry Kakese, WEG’s regional manager – Central Africa, in front of WEG transformers on a mine in the DRC. (Image source: WEG)

For over 20 years, WEG has been a strategic supplier to the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo with its local South African manufacturing base central to reduced lead times, while a well-established distribution and service network has enhanced support capabilities and, ultimately, customer satisfaction

With a total mineral wealth estimated in the tens of trillions of dollars, the DRC is one of the most strategic mining markets for WEG. Armed with a diverse scope of products including low and high voltage electric motors, low and high voltage drives, power and distribution transformers, gensets and energy solutions, low and medium voltage switchgear, motor control centres (MCCs) and E-houses, WEG has had a longstanding presence in the DRC mining market.

Thierry Kakese, WEG’s regional manager – Central Africa, said the company operates through various links and channels in the DRC. “When it comes to capital projects, we work directly with EPCM and project houses to ensure our products and solutions are specified,” he remarked. “On the operational side, we do establish a direct link with end users, mostly via our in-country partners. Our local representation in the DRC comprises distribution and service channels.”

Premium products manufactured locally

One of WEG’s flagship product lines in the DRC is its premium IE3 and IE4 motors. The energy saving benefits of WEG’s IE3 and IE4 motors have set them apart from competitors, addressing mines’ quests to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.

Much of the WEG equipment for the DRC is manufactured in South Africa. The low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) MCCs, transformers, gensets, MV soft starters, LV variable speed drives (VSDs) and soft starter panels are all manufactured in Johannesburg, while some of the gensets come from the company’s Cape Town facility. Given the importance of quality control in mining, these facilities are ISO 9001: 2015 certified and adhere to high quality procedures and standards. WEG also complies with the relevant International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for the various product groups.

The fact that manufacturing now takes place in Johannesburg, which is only 2,000 km away from most of the mining sites in the DRC, significantly shortens lead times compared to previously importing from WEG’s overseas factories in Europe, Asia or the Americas.

Delivering products and solutions in the DRC is not without its challenges, added Kakese. The DRC probably has one of the most challenging transport infrastructure environments in Africa. In addition, most of the mines are located in remote areas, rendering road transportation difficult.

“To address this challenge, we have over the years bolstered our local representation with service and distribution partners who carry sufficient stockholding and are the first line of support for customers in the DRC. In fact, we have recently added IPS Congo to our Value Added Reseller (VAR) network. IPS Congo is strategically located in Kolwezi, where the majority of mines in the DRC are based. On the service side of our network, we have added Lekasi-based AEMI, which services our range of LV motors,” concluded Kakese.

This article was authored by WEG Africa. Learn more about the company and its services at: www.weg.net