COPPER, DIAMOND, TIN AND COBALT; African Minerals

COPPER DIAMOND TIN AND COBALT; Copper is one of the valuable minerals Trade Panel International Limited deals in. Our copper is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo largely in the Copper Belt of the southern Katanga Provinces.

The Katanga/Shaba copper belt in the DR Congo has a width of approximately 70km and length of 250kms between Lubumbashi and Kolwezi. Over 72 economic deposits of copper and 4 large mining centers exist here making it one of the largest world’s reserves of copper.

The DR Congo copper belt includes some of the highest grade copper deposits in the globe. In some reserves, the grades are over 5 percent and ore also comprises of high grades of cobalt and holds about 34 percent of the global cobalt reserves. More large deposits still exist and yet to be explored using modern technology.

Whereas there are many companies that deal in copper production, Trade Panel International Limited is that one most outstanding, trust worthy and reliable company to deal with. We have been in this business for over 10 years and based on our experience, we rate among a few best copper producers in Africa.

Others valuable minerals that Trade Panel International Limited deals in besides gold and copper include;

Trade Panel International COPPER, DIAMOND, TIN AND COBALT

Cobalt

Cobalt is one of the minerals that we deal in and it is extracted from the deposits in the DR Congo. Cobalt we do sell is mainly used in the manufacture of magnetic, wear resistant and high strength alloys.

where Cobalt is found in Africa

Cobalt is primarily found in Africa in several key locations, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being the largest producer by far. Here’s a breakdown of notable cobalt-producing regions in Africa:

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
- Katanga Province: This region is the largest source of cobalt in the world. Major mining operations include those by companies like Glencore (with its Kamoto Copper Company), China Molybdenum, and other large mining firms. The DRC’s cobalt is often extracted as a byproduct of copper mining.
Zambia:
- Copperbelt Region: This area, which spans both Zambia and the DRC, is another significant source of cobalt. Cobalt is often extracted from copper ores in this region. Major mining companies operating here include First Quantum Minerals and Barrick Gold.
Morocco:
- Atlas Mountains: While not as prominent as the DRC or Zambia, Morocco has some cobalt deposits, mainly in the Atlas Mountains region. These deposits are less significant in global terms compared to those in the DRC.
Botswana:
- Ngamiland Region: Botswana has some cobalt resources, particularly in areas associated with nickel mining. Cobalt is extracted here as a byproduct of nickel mining.
South Africa:
- Bushveld Complex: This region is known for its rich deposits of platinum group metals and has some cobalt resources associated with these minerals. However, cobalt production here is relatively minor compared to the DRC.

Diamond

Diamond is one of the a few valuable minerals mined in Africa and the DR Congo features among the leading five diamond producers. In Africa, DRC is the second largest diamond producer.

Where Diamond is Mined from Africa

Diamonds are found in several African countries, with some regions being particularly renowned for their diamond production. Here’s a list of key diamond-producing areas in Africa:

South Africa:
- Kimberley: Known as the site of the first major diamond discovery in South Africa. The Kimberley Mine (also known as the Big Hole) was one of the earliest sources of diamonds.
- Cullinan: Home to the Cullinan Mine, which produced some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Cullinan Diamond.
Botswana:
- Jwaneng: One of the richest diamond mines in the world by value. Operated by Debswana, a joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers.
- Orapa: Another significant diamond-producing mine, also operated by Debswana.
Namibia:
- Luderitz: Notable for offshore diamond mining, where diamonds are extracted from the seabed.
- Oranjemund: Known for its land-based diamond mining operations.
Angola:
- Catoca: The largest diamond mine in Angola and one of the largest in the world. It produces a significant portion of Angola’s diamonds.
- Luanda Norte: Another important diamond-producing area in Angola.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
- Kasai Region: Known for alluvial diamond mining. The DRC is one of the largest producers of diamonds by volume, although the quality varies.
- Tshuapa: Another region in the DRC known for diamond production.
Central African Republic (CAR):
- Sebba: Located in the northeastern part of the CAR, this area is known for its alluvial diamond mining.
Lesotho:
- Letseng: Known for producing high-quality diamonds, including some large and valuable stones. Operated by Gem Diamonds.
Sierra Leone:
- Kono District: Noted for its alluvial diamond mining and for producing some high-quality diamonds.

Each of these regions contributes to Africa’s significant role in the global diamond industry, with varying levels of production and diamond quality.

Tin

Tin is mined in several countries across Africa, with notable deposits and production occurring in the following regions:

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
- Maniema Province: This area has significant tin mining activities, particularly in the town of Bukavu and surrounding regions.
- North Kivu Province: Known for its tin mines, with several artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
Nigeria:
- Plateau State: This region is known for its substantial tin deposits and has been a significant producer of tin for many years, especially around the towns of Jos and Bauchi.
Rwanda:
- Rutsiro and Nyabihu Districts: Tin mining activities are prominent in these areas, contributing to Rwanda’s production of tin.
Burundi:
- Kayanza and Muramvya Provinces: These regions are known for their tin mining operations, although they are less significant compared to other African producers.
South Africa:
- Mpumalanga Province: Historically, South Africa has had tin mining activities, particularly around the town of Prieska, though its production is relatively minor compared to other countries on the continent.
Mozambique:
- Zambezia Province: Known for its tin mining operations, with deposits located in the region.

These countries have varying scales of tin production, with some, like the DRC and Nigeria, being more prominent in the global tin market. Tin mining in Africa is often characterized by a mix of large-scale commercial operations and smaller artisanal mining activities.