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lithium mininglatest news & developments
Africa’s lithium boom won’t last forever. Photo: Dianah Chiyangwa
ALL RISE ATTORNEYS

KZN coastal communities demand withdrawal of SA Lithium mine expansion over legal, environmental concerns

A coalition of KwaZulu-Natal coastal organisations is calling for the withdrawal of SA Lithium’s Highbury Mine expansion near Umzumbe, citing alleged legal flaws, water risks,…

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
Injustice: Despite the mining sector’s profitability, host communities see less than 1% of corporate profits. Photo: Chris Louw/Centre for Environmental Rights
ABRAHAM NUNBOGU

Minerals boom but benefits bypass communities

South Africa is positioning itself as a key player in the global race for critical minerals but new research and warnings suggest those closest to extraction might lose out,…

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
Mad dash: Most of the sudden influx of prospecting applications are for lithium, but include dozens of other critical minerals. Pictured here is the SA Lithium Mine near Umzumbe. Photo: Supplied
AFLI EXPLORATIONS

Mining red flags along KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast

Thirteen prospecting applications have been submitted to the department of minerals and petroleum resources by seven companies since 2023

  • Andiswa Matikinca
11 min read
Trucks line up at the Machipanda border, a major economic link between Zimbabwean capital Harare and Mozambican port city Beira. Photo supplied
AFRICAN MINERALS

On the trail of lithium smugglers in Southern Africa

International intelligence data shows a recent boom in lithium exports from Southern Africa to Chinese markets. Where’s it coming from, and how does it get there?

  • Andiswa Matikinca
  • Tatenda Chitagu
9 min read
Themed flower beds are set up along the street to greet the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 2, 2024 in Beijing, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
AFRICAN ECONOMIC COOPERATION

China’s interests in Africa are being shaped by the race for renewable energy

As the ninth Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) kicks off in Beijing, a new, green theme is shaping their relationship: the global renewable energy race

  • Lauren Johnston
6 min read