
Vedanta's Copper Operation in Zambia Taps RMB to Help Raise Debt
Vedanta Resources Ltd. 's Zambian copper mining unit has hired Rand Merchant Bank to help raise as much as $1 billion in debt financing for the expansion of its operations in the country.
The unit of Vedanta — owned by Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal — has tasked RMB with tapping lenders to fund investment at Konkola Copper Mines, according to people familiar with the matter. The debt-funding plans are at an early stage, the people said, asking not to be named discussing a private matter.
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Bloomberg
an hour ago
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Nigeria's Central Bank Halts Dividends, Bonuses for Some Banks
The Central Bank of Nigeria has ordered banks under regulatory forbearance to halt dividend payments, director bonuses, and foreign investments. The move aims to help lenders build financial buffers and strengthen resilience amid economic challenges.

Business Insider
4 hours ago
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African countries excluded as China expands visa‑free transit to 55 nations
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Yahoo
6 hours ago
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Chinese-backed militia safeguarding new rare earth mines in Myanmar
A Chinese-backed militia has taken control of new rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar, according to a Reuters report, citing sources. China, which dominates the processing of heavy rare earths, relies on Myanmar for the raw materials needed to manufacture critical components such as wind turbines, medical devices and electric vehicles. Recent disruptions in Myanmar's northern mining belt, which has been taken over by an armed group, have prompted Chinese miners to seek new sources in the Shan state. Under the protection of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), more than 100 workers are engaged in extracting valuable minerals such as dysprosium and terbium. The UWSA, with its commercial and military ties to China, also oversees one of the world's largest tin mines. The presence of this militia provides security for the mining operations, which are strategically located near the Chinese border. Despite the lack of transparent business records in Myanmar, four sources have confirmed the militia's role in protecting the mines, and satellite imagery has corroborated the existence of these mining sites. University of Manchester lecturer Patrick Meehan, an expert on Myanmar's rare earth industry, has noted that these mines represent significant new facilities outside the northern Kachin region, the report said. The stability provided by the UWSA in the Shan state contrasts with the ongoing civil war in other parts of Myanmar, making it an attractive region for Chinese investment and mining activities. Beijing has recognised the strategic significance of rare earth elements, responding to the re-escalation of the trade conflict with the US with stricter export controls on these crucial metals and magnets. Although there has been a slight relaxation in Chinese export approvals and indications from US President Donald Trump of headway in trade negotiations, these restrictions have significantly disrupted international supply networks that are vital to the automotive, aerospace and semiconductor industries. China experienced a surge of 23% in its exports in May compared with April, even as the country enforced export limitations on some essential minerals. The export volume reached 5,864 tonnes, the largest monthly export quantity in the past 12 months. This boost in export levels occurs against the backdrop of worldwide manufacturing challenges, which have been exacerbated by the shortages resulting from China's export controls. "Chinese-backed militia safeguarding new rare earth mines in Myanmar" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data