The global energy transition hit a symbolic milestone in 2024. According to the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable energy capacity reached 4,448 gigawatts (GW)—a record increase of 585 GW, or 15.1%. Solar and wind power were the primary drivers of this growth, accounting for 96.6% of new installations. Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity surged by 452 GW (+32.2%), while wind power added 113 GW. This rapid expansion is gradually eclipsing
Australian mining company MetalsGrove has signed a Binding Term Sheet to acquire three gold exploration permits in Ivory Coast, marking its official entry into the country. The acquisition includes the Vavoua, Vavoua West, and Kounahiri West prospects. Under the agreement, MetalsGrove will secure an 80% stake in Vavoua and 90% stakes in Vavoua West and Kounahiri West. The permits cover a 950 km² area along the same geological trend as the 3.8-million-ounce Abujar Gold Mine,
ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL), the international arm of India’s national oil company, has approved a ₹1,500 crore investment to accelerate the development of its joint venture in Mozambique’s offshore gas reserves. The funding will support the Mozambique Area 1 LNG project, a $20 billion initiative in which OVL holds a 10% stake. Despite previous delays due to security concerns, the project is set to move forward as TotalEnergies, the project operator, is expected to lift
Pan-African technology company Cassava Technologies has partnered with Microsoft to launch a renewable energy training initiative in South Africa, aimed at equipping local communities with the skills needed to advance renewable energy solutions and support the country’s energy transition. As part of the initiative, training hubs will be established in Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering programs focused on renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and microgrids. The initiative will prioritize women and youth, helping them develop
Botswana government officials are set to meet with South Africa’s electricity ministry this week to address soaring power import costs, which have more than doubled, exacerbating the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Frequent breakdowns at Botswana’s 600 MW Morupule B power plant have led to blackouts lasting up to four hours. To cover the shortfall, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., South Africa’s state-owned power company, has been supplying electricity. However, Botswana’s Energy Minister, Bogolo Kenewendo, informed lawmakers
Australian junior miner Cobre has commenced a diamond drilling program at the Kitlanya West project in Botswana, targeting copper-silver mineralization in partnership with diversified major BHP. The drilling campaign follows seismic surveys completed in 2024 and is part of Cobre’s recently announced earn-in joint venture with BHP. The program includes three deep drill holes, each exceeding 1 km, aimed at testing large anticlinal trap sites identified in seismic sections and providing insights into the deeper
Lucara Diamonds has ended its engineering, procurement, and construction management contract with JDS Energy & Mining (JDS) as of March 31, shifting to owner-managed operations for the Karowe underground expansion project (UGP) in Botswana. Announcing the transition on Monday, the Canada-based company stated that it had signed a master service agreement (MSA) with JDS to complete specific engineering components, while all site-based contracts and activities now fall under Lucara’s direct oversight. The move is expected
Debswana Diamond Company will suspend production at its Letlhakane Tailings Plant (LTP) and Jwaneng Modular Plant (JMP) by the end of March 2025. This decision aligns with the company’s strategic response to ongoing challenges in the global diamond market, where demand and rough diamond prices have continued to decline through 2023 and 2024. In light of these conditions, Debswana’s Board of Directors, during its March meeting, revised the 2025 production target from 18 million carats
The global oil market saw a significant rise in the price of a barrel, reaching $72.20 on March 21, 2025, marking a 1.5% weekly increase. This continues the pattern of fluctuations observed in recent weeks on international commodities markets. As reported by the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), “As of March 21, 2025, the price of oil rose by 1.5% compared to the previous period, where it traded at $70.10 per barrel.” Experts at the
A UAE-backed company has secured the contract to construct Uganda’s first crude oil refinery, a $4 billion project in Kabaale, Hoima District. The facility will process 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, enhancing Uganda’s energy independence and reducing reliance on fuel imports. UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments holds a 60% stake in the refinery, while Uganda’s National Oil Company retains the remaining 40%. The project aims to maximize Uganda’s oil reserves in the Albertine Graben
