The African Copperbelt is experiencing a resurgence of activity following the commodity slump of recent years, says Copper Cobalt Africa Conference chairperson Kathy Sole.

She notes that it is, particularly, the presence of cobalt – essential to the batteries that power modern electronic devices and electric vehicles – that is now attracting various project initiatives and financing to the Copperbelt region, which stretches over Zambia, in East Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Central Africa.

A significant proportion of capital spending, project development, operational expansions and metal value production in the Southern African mining industry takes place in the Copperbelt region. The geology and mineralogy of the ores on the Copperbelt differ significantly from those in other major copper-producing regions of the world, often having significantly high grades, as well as the presence of cobalt, says Sole.

She adds that, while the increase in demand for cobalt is attracting a variety of project initiatives in copper mining in Central Africa, both mining and metallurgy present some unique challenges in the Copperbelt region, not only in the technical arena but also with respect to logistics and supply chain, human capital, community engagement and legislative issues.

“The Copper Cobalt Africa Conference is aimed at promoting dialogue between the mining and metallurgical disciplines on common challenges facing the industry in Africa. It will also enhance understanding of new and existing technologies that can lead to the safe and most effective use of resources, and encourage the participation of and build capacity among young and emerging professionals from the Copperbelt region,” explains Sole.

The second Copper Cobalt Africa Conference will be hosted by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), in association with the ninth Southern African Base Metals Conference, from July 9 to 12, 2018, in Livingstone, Zambia. The event will provide a platform for discussions on a range of topics, from the value chain and exploration projects to mining, processing, recycling and secondary value addition, as well as facilitate the sharing of experience and knowledge, and provide a networking opportunity for professionals involved in copper and cobalt processing in Southern Africa.

Sole adds that the conference is an ideal opportunity where international delegates can gain in-depth knowledge and exposure to the African copper and cobalt industries and come to better understand the various facets of mining and processing in the Southern African region.

A one-day Engineering Council of South Africa-accredited short course on the hydrometallurgical processing of cobalt will also be offered. All invited presenters are internationally recognised experts in their particular fields in the mining industry and this will be a unique professional development opportunity for those involved in assessing and developing flowsheets for cobalt exploitation in the region.

The SAIMM is a professional body with local and international links aimed at assisting members source news and views about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors, as well as embracing a professional code of ethics.

Abstracts and sponsorship contributions for the Copper Cobalt Africa Conference are currently being accepted.