Greetings Contrarian,

This is The Next Big Rush, your daily drop of mining and energy investing news. Where we come together and have a beer at the bar.

Here are the highlights:

👀 China Is Taking Over African Lithium

🙄 Indonesia Running Out Of Nickel?

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👀 China Is Taking Over African Lithium

Zijin Mining, a Chinese producer of gold and copper, is asserting its rights over the contested Manono Lithium mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after being granted permission to develop it.

The initial permit, held by Australia's AVZ Minerals, was revoked by the DRC for slow development. Zijin has been acquiring lithium assets, vital for electric vehicle batteries, in South America and Africa. Although Zijin's subsidiary owns a 61% stake in the Manono venture, AVZ claims ownership and has ongoing legal challenges against Zijin.

Chinese firms are boosting investments in Africa for metals like lithium, crucial for green technologies. Zijin anticipates the potential of constructing a large-scale mine at Manono within two years.

The DRC is sending a very strong message with this. You’d have to be blind not to see it.

🙄 Indonesia Running Out Of Nickel?

Indonesia, the leading producer of high-grade nickel ore, may deplete its reserves in roughly six years, warns the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association. The nation's premium 1.7% nickel ore is primarily used for nickel pig iron (NPI) production, a key ingredient for stainless steel. Lower-grade nickel is utilized for electric vehicle batteries.

Meidy Katrin Lengkey from the association suggests that comprehensive governmental efforts are needed to manage and extend nickel reserves. Promoting domestic processing of lower-grade nickel, which could last around 80 years, is one solution.

Amidst increased mining activities, nickel prices have dropped 39% this year. With Indonesia's dominant position, there's concern it might limit supply, especially in a lower-price scenario.

Expect the unexpected.

📰 In Other News:

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Happy Speculating!

The Editor

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.