ASX-listed Burgundy Diamond Mines, the operator of the Ekati Mine in Canada, achieved $93 million in revenue from two successful diamond sales cycles in the fourth quarter of 2024. Q4 Sales Highlights Burgundy CEO Kim Truter highlighted the strong performance of Ekati’s ethically sourced diamonds: “Ekati’s ethically produced G7 product sold well this quarter, achieving $106 per carat in the latest sale. While this number reflects a higher-quality parcel of goods, we also observed gains
The Republic of Congo has begun studies for micro-hydropower plants as part of its efforts to improve rural electrification. On December 6, the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulics, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), held a workshop to review the project framework, explore financing options, and assess its feasibility. With rural areas heavily dependent on costly and unsustainable diesel systems, this initiative aims to improve energy access, reduce disparities, and contribute to
Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond has announced its 2025 operational plan for the Karowe Mine in Botswana, with a focus on increasing production, advancing an underground expansion, and boosting revenue. The company aims to mine up to 2.2 million tons of ore in 2025 while implementing a $115 million underground mine expansion project. This initiative, slated for completion by 2028, is expected to extend the mine’s lifespan beyond 2040. Lucara also projects $225 million in
The United States has imposed sanctions on 28 individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industry, accusing them of involvement in a global gold-smuggling and money-laundering operation. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revealed that the operation is based in Zimbabwe and led by Kamlesh Pattni, a Kenyan businessman infamous for his role in the 1990s Goldenberg gold-trading scandal. After fleeing to Zimbabwe, Pattni was allegedly involved in
QatarEnergy has expanded its upstream portfolio in Namibia by acquiring a 27.5% working interest in Block 2813 under a new agreement with Harmattan Energy Limited (HEL), the operator of the block. Announced on Sunday, the agreement confirms HEL, an indirect subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, as the majority stakeholder with a 52.5% interest. The remaining partners, Trago Energy Limited and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), each hold a 10% interest, according to QatarEnergy’s press
88 Energy Limited has uncovered 10 independent structural closures with significant hydrocarbon potential in Namibia’s Owambo Basin. This discovery follows an initial analysis of 2D seismic data within the southern region of Petroleum Exploration Licence 93 (PEL 93). The identified closures, characterized by large structural formations—some exceeding 100 km² in size with substantial vertical relief—show promising indications of hydrocarbon charge from nearby source rocks. Monitor Exploration Limited, the operator of PEL 93’s exploration program, recently
Algeria’s state-owned oil company, Sonatrach, is set to restart exploration activities in Libya’s Ghadames Basin, specifically on plots 95 and 96, after a hiatus of nearly ten years. The decision follows a recent technical meeting between Sonatrach and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), during which seismic survey data was reviewed and the resource potential of the region reevaluated. As part of the renewed efforts, operations will soon resume on the A1-96/2 exploratory well, which has
Seplat Energy Plc has taken a bold step to reinvigorate Nigeria’s oil industry by reactivating hundreds of dormant oil wells, following its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s onshore oil and gas assets in the country. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment, leveraging the exit of international oil companies from Africa’s largest oil producer to bolster local operations. In October, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved the $1.19 billion deal, over two years after it was
Lucara Diamond Corp forecasts diamond sales of 400,000 to 420,000 carats in 2025, generating revenues between $195 million and $225 million. This outlook reflects steady progress at the company’s Karowe mine in Botswana, a world-class operation achieving significant milestones in 2023. CEO William Lamb highlighted these achievements in a December 4 operational guidance update, noting that production targets were surpassed. “Our strategic focus on the underground mining project has shown remarkable progress, with shaft depths
Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited has reported a nearly 50% increase in crude oil production within three months, following its acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company from Eni earlier this year. During a meeting with joint venture partner Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja, Oando’s Managing Director, Dr. Ainojie Irune, credited the remarkable growth to seamless integration and strong collaboration between the two entities. “Within less than 100 days of the acquisition, we
