Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) Aims to Export Cobalt from Congo Mines to India Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), which has acquired a majority stake in CHEMAF Group, a mining company operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), plans to export its share of cobalt from the African nation to India. The initiative, part of a joint venture between LMEL and US-based Virtus Mineral Group, is expected to begin operations within the current fiscal year. The project’s success hinges on an agreement between the Indian and American governments, as the venture also involves a US partner. CHEMAF Group’s mines, located in the Katanga belt of the DRC, are among the world’s largest copper reserves and hold significant cobalt deposits. India, which lacks major cobalt resources, has long relied on imports to meet its demand for the critical mineral. LMEL’s managing director, B Prabhakaran, stated that the production of cobalt and copper from the Congo mines is projected to reach 20,000 tonnes and 60,000 tonnes annually, respectively. The acquisition of CHEMAF Group by LMEL and Virtus Mineral Group marks a strategic move to secure a non-Chinese source of cobalt, a metal vital for electric vehicle batteries and other high-tech industries. Prabhakaran highlighted that LMEL, which owns 49% of the Congo venture, has already completed 90% of the work required to launch operations. He also addressed concerns about labor issues previously faced by CHEMAF’s earlier promoters, asserting that the problems have been resolved and no layoffs will occur. LMEL’s involvement in the Congo project is also seen as a victory for the US government, which seeks to counter Chinese influence in the global cobalt supply chain.#india #lloyds_metals_and_energy_limited #chemaf_group #democratic_republic_of_congo #virtus_mineral_group
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s historic World Cup qualification has sparked a wave of national pride and strategic planning for the 2026 tournament, with the Football Association (FAC) actively pursuing the naturalisation of 12 players to bolster its squad. The team, led by coach Sébastien De Sabre, has already made a significant impact on the global stage, becoming only the second nation from the DRC to qualify for the World Cup after its 1974 campaign as Zaire. This milestone has not only galvanised fans but also drawn attention from European clubs, as several key players remained in the country to celebrate their qualification rather than return to their clubs following the international break. The DRC’s squad is a blend of domestic and international talent, with players like Mokaou (Lille), Bakambu (Real Betis), Yoan Wissa (Newcastle United), Noah Sadki (Sunderland), and Wan-Bissaka (West Ham) representing the team’s European presence. However, the FAC is now looking to strengthen its roster by targeting additional players who are eligible to represent the nation. Spanish newspaper Marca reported that the association has identified a list of up to 10 players, including Warren Bondo (Cremonese), Willy Kambwala (Villarreal), Arnaud Kalimuendo (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ezekiel Panzuzi (Leipzig), Samuel Mbangula (Werder Bremen), Jordi Makengo (Freiburg), Anthony Milambo (Brentford), Dylan Bakwa (Nottingham Forest), Marc Bola (Watford), and Bradley Loko (Brest). These players are seen as potential additions to the squad, with their World Cup participation serving as a strong incentive. Despite this list, the FAC is not satisfied and is seeking further talent to elevate its standards.#world_cup #marca #democratic_republic_of_congo #football_association_fac #sebastien_de_sabre
Lens Predicted XI v Lille: A Derby to Keep Title Dreams Alive RC Lens returned to winning ways just before the international break with a commanding 5-1 victory over Angers SCO, reigniting hopes for a strong finish to the season. Now, the club faces one of the most critical matches of their campaign as they travel to face rivals Lille OSC in a high-stakes Ligue 1 clash. For Lille, the game represents a crucial opportunity to maintain their title aspirations, but the task is far from straightforward. Lille, currently in a tight race for the league title, finds themselves in a precarious position. The Sang et Or squad must secure a win to keep their ambitions alive, yet they are missing several key defenders who have been sidelined for weeks. Coach Pierre Sage’s team will once again be without Ruben Aguilar, Samson Baidoo, Jonathan Gradit, and Kyllian Antonio, all of whom have been absent for significant periods. The absence of these players adds pressure to an already challenging fixture, as Lille looks to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities. Compounding the difficulties, Arthur Masuaku, a vital midfielder for Lille, is set to miss the match. The player is attending a presidential reception in the Democratic Republic of Congo following his country’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His absence further weakens Lille’s midfield options, leaving them to rely on depth and tactical adjustments to counter Lens’s attacking threat. Lens, on the other hand, enters the game in confident form after their recent win. The team’s attacking prowess, highlighted by their 5-1 dismantling of Angers, suggests they are capable of challenging Lille. However, the match will test their ability to adapt to Lille’s defensive setup and capitalize on any weaknesses.#rc_lens #angers_sco #pierre_sage #democratic_republic_of_congo #lille_osc
Gadchi-linked Indo-US buyout pips China for Congo’s copper Nagpur: An international corporate buyout with a Gadchiroli connection has emerged as a significant milestone for the Trump administration in the United States, while also offering strategic advantages for India. Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), which operates an iron ore mine in Gadchiroli, has acquired CHEMAF Group, a copper and cobalt mining company based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deal is being celebrated as a major breakthrough, as it establishes a non-Chinese source of critical minerals, particularly cobalt, which is vital for defense and electric vehicle (EV) industries. The acquisition, valued at $250 million, includes the purchase price and is spearheaded by a joint venture between LMEL and the U.S.-based Virtus Mineral Group. This partnership, now operating under the name Virtus Lloyds Minerals Holdings (VLMH), successfully outmaneuvered a Chinese state-owned entity that had also been vying for control of CHEMAF’s operations. CHEMAF’s mining activities are located in the Katanga region, one of the world’s largest reserves for copper and cobalt. Following the acquisition, American Under-Secretary of State Jacob Helberg tweeted on X, emphasizing the significance of the deal: “The U.S. firm Virtus’ acquisition of CHEMAF mines in the DRC is HUGE for America and the people of DRC. Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. is back competing in the DRC’s mining sector. This partnership is a linchpin to American economic security.” LMEL’s subsidiary, Lloyds Global Resources FZCO (LGRF), partnered with Virtus Minerals to complete the purchase, securing a 49% stake in CHEMAF. Currently, CHEMAF produces 20,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of copper cathodes and 4,000 TPA of cobalt.#gadchiroli #lloyds_metals_and_energy_limited #chemaf_group #democratic_republic_of_congo #virtus_mineral_group
