Nigeria’s Dangote refinery has reached a new milestone by exporting its first jet fuel cargo to Europe. This move marks a significant expansion of the refinery’s reach and potential impact on global fuel markets. British multinational BP is currently transporting the initial shipment, consisting of 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel, onboard the Doric Breeze from the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, Nigeria. This shipment follows BP’s successful bid for a portion of a 120,000
Natural resources abound in Africa, particularly substantial gold deposits, which are vital to the economies of the continent. While there are considerable obstacles such as environmental and administrative concerns, the potential for additional exploration and development remains high, making gold an important part of Africa’s economic future. African Countries Bolster Gold Reserves Amid Global Uncertainty In recent years, African countries have taken significant steps to strengthen their gold reserves, positioning themselves favorably amidst global economic
African gold smuggling amounts to more than 30 billion dollars a year, most of it to the United Arab Emirates, where it is refined and then sold around the world, reveals a report published last week. The data comes from a report by Swissaid, a development aid organization based in Switzerland, and indicates that in 2022, gold worth 30 billion dollars left the African continent illegally. According to Lusa, the main destinations for African gold
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, have announced plans to extend production cuts and introduce a phased increase for some member states. Eight OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, will extend their voluntary production cuts beyond their original June 2024 expiration date. These additional cuts, totaling 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd), will be extended until the end of September 2024. Following this, a gradual
De Beers announced a strategic overhaul, ceasing the production of synthetic diamonds for its Lightbox consumer brand to concentrate on manufacturing and selling natural polished diamonds. This pivot aligns with the company’s new “Origins” strategy, emphasizing the value of natural diamonds and technology over synthetic jewelry. Transition to Technology Hub At the JCK Las Vegas breakfast event, De Beers CEO Al Cook explained that the company will streamline its Element Six business, merging its three
Gem Diamonds has recovered a 212.49 carat Type II white diamond from its 70%-owned Letšeng mine in Lesotho. This marks the sixth diamond weighing over 100 carats to be recovered from the mine this year. Located in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho, the Letšeng mine is renowned for producing large, high-quality Type II diamonds. These exceptional diamonds, each weighing over 100 carats, contribute 70% to 80% of Gem Diamonds’ annual revenue.
Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency is partnering with Husk Power Systems for interconnected minigrids and isolated minigrids, rooftop commercial and industrial (C&I) solar, productive use of energy (PUE) initiatives, appliance sales, and financing. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria and Husk Power Systems have agreed on a strategic partnership to deploy up to 250 MW of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) projects in support of the government’s energy access, energy transition, and energy security targets. The
The Mozambican government and Chinese oil company CNOOC Hong Kong Holding signed five concession contracts on Thursday in Maputo for oil and gas exploration in the Angoche sedimentary basin, located off the coast of Nampula province. Additionally, a sixth contract was signed with Italian energy company ENI. At the signing ceremony, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Carlos Zacarias noted that this milestone is the culmination of a process that began in November 2021, when
The Mozambican Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced a potential change in the partnership of Area 4 in the Rovuma Basin, located off the coast of Cabo Delgado province. This follows the decision by the Portuguese oil and gas company Galp to sell its stake to the Emirati oil company ADNOC. Galp has reached an agreement with ADNOC to sell its position in the Area 4 natural gas consortium for nearly 600 million
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday labeled synthetic gems a significant threat to the country’s economic foundation, as the government prepares to launch a $6-billion project to extend the life of its flagship Jwaneng diamond mine. The natural diamond market has faced challenges over the past two years due to rising consumer demand for cheaper lab-grown diamonds and global macroeconomic volatility. Masisi will attend the JCK Show in Las Vegas this week, the world’s largest
