Japan's minister for economy is visiting five countries to try to build an African supply chain of critical minerals.

Cobalt prices are down more than 50% from October, due to weak demand and growing supplies from Indonesia.

The platform will combine blockchain and IoT technologies to automatically record and track minerals' origin, ownership, and provenance and is planned to be further launched and commercialized in other markets in Africa and worldwide.

“This transaction will create a new globally diversified precious metals producer," Silvercorp chairman says.

Cabinet approved policy document expected to be passed by parliament before the end of the yearwill provide clear guidelines and a fiscal regime for mining so-called green minerals in a manner that ensures Ghana derives as much benefit as possible from its resources.

Piedmont Lithium invested $100 million in the company in 2011 to secure spodumene from Atlantic Lithium's mine in Ghana.

Half-year profit declined 54% mainly due to higher costs and mandatory environmental provisions in Brazil.

The miner said the proof of concept currently running at Marsfontein has provided key information for the development of Thorny River.