The weakening of coking coal prices has affected silicon coal prices in some regions [SMM Analysis]

[SMM Flash] Rwanda exported 3,264 tonnes of tantalum concentrate according to international trade data in 2025, compared with 2,038 tonnes recorded through the ITSCI Programme, creating a difference of 1,226 tonnes, according to ITSCI. The international trade figure increased 12% from 2,909 tonnes in 2024, while tantalum exports recorded through ITSCI fell 13% from 2,354 tonnes. ITSCI said the difference demonstrates that mineral trading recorded through its programme does not represent the entirety of Rwanda's tantalum exports. The data highlights the challenges of assessing mineral flows in the Great Lakes region using individual traceability or trade datasets. ITSCI said stakeholders should assess potential supply-chain risks and maintain robust due-diligence practices when sourcing tantalum from the region. The divergence is particularly relevant to downstream buyers seeking to distinguish monitored supply from wider regional tantalum trade.

[SMM Flash] The International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) Programme has expanded its traceability operations to Beni in North Kivu, allowing ITSCI-tagged tin, tantalum and tungsten (3T) minerals from North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema to be exported through the city. The move follows a security review and the relocation of provincial authorities and state mining services to Beni. ITSCI said the new route provides an alternative to longer transport routes previously used to move minerals from state-controlled areas of eastern DRC through Maniema. The programme has deployed field staff to support exporters and state mining services while continuing to monitor supply-chain risks and provide due-diligence support. However, traceability remains suspended in several high-risk areas. ITSCI activities remain suspended in Masisi, including Rubaya, which remains under M23/AFC control. Activities are also suspended in parts of South Kivu and Lubero because of continuing security risks. The resumption provides a new monitored export route for 3T minerals from eastern DRC while highlighting the continuing fragmentation of the region's mineral supply chains.

ASTANA. Aug 21 - Kazatomprom has reached agreements on the sale of natural uranium concentrate (U3O8) to Uranium One (Russia) and State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development Company (SNURDC, China), according to a statement from the Kazakh national company on the Astana International Exchange (AIX). It is expected that Kazatomprom will supply a batch of uranium concentrate to the Siberian Chemical Combine for Uranium One and to the Alashankou railway station for SNURDC. According to the statement, it is planned that the conclusion of major transactions will be considered at an extraordinary meeting of the company's shareholders in September, including a contract for supplying natural uranium in the form of U3O8 with Uranium One and a spot forward contract for the purchase and sale of natural uranium concentrate with SNURDC. It is noted that the details of the transactions regarding pricing, amounts and delivery dates cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality conditions. However, the parameters "correspond to current market conditions and prevailing market trends," the company said. Kazatomprom is engaged in uranium mining, rare metals processing, and the production and sale of beryllium and tantalum products. All of its products are exported. The company is controlled by the state (including the Samruk-Kazyna state fund which holds 62.99% of shares, and the Kazakh Finance Ministry which holds 12.01%), with a free float of 25%. Uranium One is an international group of companies, part of the management structure of the TENEX group of companies of Rosatom state corporation, one of the largest uranium mining companies in the world with a diversified portfolio of international assets. Uranium One is one of the participants/shareholders of Kazatomprom's joint ventures - JV UGHK LLP, JSC JV Akbastau and Karatau LLP. SNURDC is a subsidiary of State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC), responsible for the supply of uranium and fuel assemblies, with a mandate to invest in research, development and exploration of uranium ore. In December 2017, SNURDC received a state license for the import of natural uranium concentrates.