DRC and Tanzania Strengthen Oil and Gas Cooperation with Joint Technical Committee and Updated MoU The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania have agreed to establish a joint technical committee to enhance collaboration in the oil and gas sector. The announcement followed a bilateral meeting held on July 8 between Aime Sakombi Molendo, the DRC’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, and Dr. Doto Biteko, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy. The newly formed
DRC Gold Prices Rise Slightly to $108.60 per Gram Amid Global Economic Caution The price of gold—one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) most strategic export minerals—saw a modest increase of 0.35% on international markets during the week of July 14 to 19, 2025. According to a statement from the National Commission of Mercuriales under the Ministry of Foreign Trade, gold traded at $108.60 per gram, up from $108.22 the previous week. Experts say
DRC Gold Prices Inch Up 0.35% Amid Global Tensions; Experts Urge Local Refining and Traceability The price of gold—a critical mineral resource for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—has seen a modest increase on the international market. From July 14 to 19, 2025, the price of one gram of gold rose by 0.35%, reaching $108.60, up from $108.22 the previous week, according to a press release from the National Commission of Mercuriales under the Ministry
ZCDC Lays Off 400 Workers as Global Diamond Prices Plunge and Lab-Grown Gems Rise Zimbabwe’s largest diamond producer, the state-owned Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), is laying off 400 employees as it struggles to cope with a global downturn in demand for natural diamonds, a company representative confirmed. Speaking by phone, the spokesperson explained that the job cuts were a necessary measure to keep operations running and avoid a complete shutdown. In a follow-up text
NNPC Considers Refinery Sales Amid Costly Rehabilitation and Strategic Review The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) is considering the possible sale of some of its state-owned refineries as part of a broader strategic overhaul to address persistent challenges in its rehabilitation efforts. Speaking to Bloomberg at the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, NNPC Group CEO Bayo Ojulari revealed that the company is conducting a comprehensive review of its refinery operations, expected to be completed
Ghana’s Oil Sector Gains Momentum with Shell’s Pecan Bid and Mahama’s Infrastructure Drive President John Mahama has announced that global energy giant Shell has submitted a formal bid to participate in the development of Ghana’s Pecan Oil Field, marking a significant step forward in revitalizing the country’s oil and gas sector. The proposal is currently under review by key stakeholders. If approved, it could initiate the next phase of development for the offshore field, located
De Beers Group’s Venetia diamond mine in Limpopo, South Africa, has reached a remarkable milestone of 13 million fatality-free shifts. This achievement places Venetia among a select group of mining operations in Southern Africa known for sustained excellence in safety performance. The milestone reflects the steadfast dedication of the mine’s employees, contractors, and leadership to fostering a safe and supportive work environment. Over the years, Venetia has implemented numerous proactive safety initiatives focused on building
Shell Approved to Drill Deep-Water Wells Off South Africa’s West Coast in Promising Orange Basin Shell has secured environmental approval to drill up to five deep-water wells off the west coast of South Africa, marking a major step forward in the country’s offshore oil and gas exploration. The approved wells will be located in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block within the Orange Basin, an area with water depths ranging from 2,500 to 3,200 meters.
Libya’s Zliten Field Adds 1,985 Barrels/Day as SOPC Completes New Horizontal Well A newly drilled well in Libya’s Zliten oil field is now producing a steady 1,985 barrels of crude oil per day, marking a significant advancement in the country’s upstream energy operations. Masoud Suleiman, interim president of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), commended the Sirte Oil and Gas Production and Processing Company (SOPC) for the successful drilling and testing of the C357H-6 horizontal well,
Egypt to Offer Offshore and Onshore Gas Exploration Blocks to International Firms in August Egypt is set to allocate a new round of gas exploration blocks to international energy companies in August, as part of its ongoing strategy to boost natural gas production and attract foreign investment into the country’s energy sector. The upcoming concessions include large onshore and offshore areas, primarily located in the northern and northeastern regions, with significant portions situated in the
