News came from World Bank as the company appoints another Vice President (VP) for Africa. Previously managed by one, occupied by Mr Hafez Ghanem, the announcement came as Mr Ousmane Diagana became the second VP with responsibility for Central and Western Africa. Read more on the appointment.

BHP completes first blockchain iron-ore trade with steel producer China Baowu. The platform is a decentralised digital system with underlying blockchain technology that connects buyers, sellers and service providers in mining and metals supply chains via shared information. It is the first in a series of transactions comprising several industry partners. Read more.

Angola-focused rare earths developer Pensana Metals is looking to tap the UK’s growing pool of ESG-focused investors following its listing on the main market of the LSE on Monday. Read more from Mining Journal.

Mining Technology has indicated that several Australian-listed mining companies, including Resolute Mining, reported excellent production during the March 2020 quarter, mainly due to their overseas African operations.

A small-scale miner in Tanzania became an overnight millionaire after the discovery of $3.36m Tanzanite stones in the East African country, which has a combined weight of 15kg. Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and supplies could be depleted within the next 20 years. Read more.

Exciting news from Endeavour Mining, after completing the acquisition of smaller rival Semafo, it has now become West Africa’s top gold producer seeing it’s share price rise by more than 60% since the announcement. Read more.

More news from Mining Weekly that the market gloom over EVs is starting to lift. Supply overhangs and then the pandemic, crushed short-term prospects for the minerals used to power the cars of the future, new government commitments and future investments have led to this market shift.

Do you have a #mining story to share? Get in touch with [email protected] for your chance to be featured!