By: Energy capital & power

To fast-track resource extraction and infrastructure buildout, mineral-rich African nations are strengthening ties with global junior miners and exploration-stage companies. These firms are increasingly turning to private placements to secure capital, providing a streamlined route to fund key mining ventures.

Boosting Iron Ore Development

In the iron ore sector, Zanaga Iron Ore raised $21.5 million in March 2025 through a private placement to support the Republic of Congo’s ambition to become a major global supplier. The funds will facilitate the acquisition of a 43% stake in the $5.7 billion Zanaga Iron Ore Project from Glencore and bolster working capital. With a planned annual output of 30 million tons, the project is positioned to emerge as a globally significant iron ore producer.

Advancing Uranium Projects

Driven by growing demand for uranium in energy and defense sectors, several African companies are leveraging private placements to accelerate development. Moab Minerals secured $500,000 from European Lithium for its Manyoni Project in Tanzania, funding metallurgical testing in March 2025, drilling in September 2025 and a maiden resource estimate by December 2025. Global Atomic Corporation raised C$36 million for its Dasa Project in Niger, which holds 73 million pounds of uranium, with 68.1 million pounds mineable over a 23-year lifespan. In November 2024, Lotus Resources secured $87 million to restart operations at Malawi’s Kayelekera Project, while Oar Resources raised A$1 million in April 2024 for two greenfield uranium projects in Namibia.

Lithium Sector Momentum 

The lithium sector is also seeing fresh capital inflows via private placements, with Zimbabwe and Ghana emerging as key players. Premier African Minerals raised £4.7 million in January 2025 to advance its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe. Atlantic Lithium secured $6.7 million to develop Ghana’s Ewoyaa Project, the country’s first large-scale lithium operation. 

Copper Investment Rising 

In the copper sector, Trigon Metals raised $2.4 million to support its exploration activities across five licenses in Namibia and project development in Morocco. Koryx Copper secured $9.67 million in October 2024 for its Haib Copper Project in Namibia and the Luanshya West Project in Zambia. 

Beyond these minerals, private placements are also driving forward projects in rare earths and gold. E-Tech Resources raised $600,000 for its Eureka Rare Earths Project in Namibia, while Many Peaks secured A$5.2 million for its Odienne and Ferke gold projects in Ivory Coast. 

As private placements continue to play a vital role in securing capital for African mining ventures, African Mining Week will provide a crucial platform for deal-making and investment discussions, showcasing opportunities within the continent’s expanding mining industry. With private placements playing a central role in fueling the continent’s mining ambitions, African Mining Week will serve as a key platform for deal-making, partnerships and investment discussions.