The southern African nation, one of the top crude producers on the continent, has become a focus for the US in its campaign to secure critical minerals such as copper as it competes against China.

According to a New York Times report, the issue originated with a batch of the metal from a Chinese producer.

The list now identifies 34 minerals and metals deemed essential to the country’s economic or national security.

The Macpass project is hailed as one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc resources.

To date, Fortune has expended more than C$137 million to advance the NICO project to a near shovel-ready project.

Current tenure holders will be able to continue jade mining for five years with enhanced reclamation requirements.  

The DRC government accuses Rwanda of using rebel groups to steal its natural resources.

CBMM sold 600 tons of niobium oxide for batteries in scooters and other small vehicles last year as part of a test project.