Sinomine Breaks Ground on Second Ta-Nb Recovery Plant at Bikita

[SMM Niobium Flash] Globe Metals & Mining said on 28 September that Malawi’s Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority had specified what the company must start building at its Kanyika niobium-tantalum project. The guidance, received on 25 September, sets a six-month period from that date to demonstrate substantial on-site development. The works include, where applicable, starting a processing plant, tailings storage facility, site offices and run-of-mine pad. Globe said the directive still requires ratification by the authority’s board. The guidance clarifies Kanyika’s next steps after its previous 27 September deadline to begin substantial mining operations. Globe reports that preparatory road and stockpile works have been completed, but it must still agree detailed engineering measures with regulators and demonstrate the required permanent works. Its aim of commercial production in early 2028 remains a company target.

Australasian Metals reported that a review of historical exploration data identified near-surface columbite-tantalite mineralisation at its Atex project. The company is preparing drilling to assess the tantalum potential alongside lithium. The historical estimates are not a current mineral resource. Atex adds a potential West African tantalum project to watch, but fresh sampling and drilling are needed before its scale or commercial value can be assessed.

Amnesty International’s research briefing published on 21 September documents alleged forced labour, arbitrary detention and other abuses by M23 fighters against artisanal miners near Rubaya in eastern DRC. It also reports coltan trafficking from M23-controlled areas into Rwanda. These are Amnesty’s investigative findings; the briefing does not establish a verified volume of trafficked coltan.​ Amnesty called on countries and companies to stop purchasing coltan and gold from Rwanda until its government demonstrates that trafficked DRC material is no longer entering supply chains. The call increases scrutiny of tantalum sourcing and traceability. It is an NGO recommendation, not an enacted trade ban.