
MCB Ltd has committed $25 million to a $180 million bridge take-out facility for CoreX Holding, a global metals and mining group. This financing supports CoreX Holding's acquisition of a major mining asset in Côte d'Ivoire. CoreX Holding, a diversified industrial group with operations in 55 countries, recently acquired a majority stake in Compagnie Minière du Bafing CMB. CMB operates Africa's largest Direct Shipping Ore DSO nickel project in Côte d'Ivoire, which includes the Foungbesso and Moyango open-pit mines. These mines contain approximately 47 million wet metric tons of high-grade nickel laterite deposits. This acquisition strengthens CoreX's global nickel portfolio and its position as a vertically integrated player in sustainable mining assets. Nickel is a critical raw material with strong long-term demand prospects, driven by its use in stainless steel manufacturing and new energy transition applications, particularly battery technologies. CoreX Holding's investment contributes to the development of Côte d'Ivoire's mining sector and broader economic growth in the region, highlighting Africa's increasing importance as a supplier of critical minerals. MCB's participation as a Lead Arranger in this secured financing facility reinforces its growing presence in the natural resources sector and its commitment to supporting critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. This transaction aligns with MCB's strategy to expand its involvement in the metals and min
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadSeveral trade unions in Mauritius plan to seek intervention from the International Labour Organization ILO and the International Trade Union Confederation ITUC regarding proposed amendments to the Public Gatherings Act PGA. They argue these amendments are repressive and aim to pressure the government to withdraw them. A union platform, formed by the Mauritius Trade Union Confederation MTUC and the Federation of Parastatal Bodies and Other Unions FPBOU, is urging workers to mobilize against the new provisions. Deepak Benydin, spokesperson for the platform, drew parallels to the 1970s Public Order Act POA, which was used to suppress strikes and protests, leading to arrests and imprisonment of unionists like Paul Bérenger. The POA was repealed in 1991 and replaced by the PGA. Benydin also referenced past legal actions against unionists under the PGA, including a 2006 case where six unionists, including himself, faced charges after a protest, and a 2012 incident where unionists were arrested for an allegedly illegal public meeting. The proposed amendments would quadruple the maximum fine from Rs 25,000 to Rs 100,000 and increase imprisonment from four to five years. Benydin questioned if the aim is to deter Mauritians from exercising their right to protest, emphasizing that freedom of assembly and the right to organize are guaranteed by fundamental ILO conventions ratified by Mauritius. He also noted that the 114th International Labour Conference reaffirmed the right to strike as
Must ReadThousands of South Africans gathered on Tuesday to demand the departure of undocumented immigrants, following an ultimatum set by an anti-immigration movement for June 30. This movement, without official mandate, caused widespread fear, leading to over 25,000 people being repatriated to their home countries, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Ghana. The South African authorities have reported four deaths linked to "anti-foreigner sentiment" since the movement began. Protests took place in major cities like Johannesburg and Durban, with demonstrators carrying signs and traditional Zulu shields. The movement, March and March, was founded by former radio host Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, known for her xenophobic views. Political parties like ActionSA and Umkhonto we Sizwe have supported the movement, which blames undocumented foreigners for issues such as unemployment, crime, and strain on the healthcare system. In response to potential unrest, over 10,000 police officers, supported by drones and helicopters, were deployed nationwide. While most demonstrations remained largely peaceful, police intervened in Germiston to protect foreigners from aggressive protesters. The current events echo previous waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which saw around sixty deaths in 2008 and further clashes in 2015. March and March leaders, while condemning violence, have vowed to continue weekly protests, with Ngobese-Zuma promising demonstrations every Thursday and calling
Must ReadAir Mauritius's board has decided to refer transactions involving Airbus aircraft, conducted under the voluntary administration of Sattar Hajee Abdoula between 2020 and 2023, to the Financial Crimes Commission and the police for investigation. This decision follows the findings of a forensic investigation report by Kroll, which the board reviewed in two meetings within a week. The report deemed these deals "tainted." The board also plans to pursue civil remedies and disciplinary actions to protect the company's interests. The Kroll report focuses on three sensitive areas during Abdoula's administration: the sale of five aircraft two Airbus A340-300s, two Airbus A319-100s, and one Airbus A330-200 in 2020-2021, the lease of two Airbus A330-200s in 2022, and the order for an additional Airbus A350-900 in 2023. Air Mauritius stated that the board views the report's findings "with utmost seriousness." Previous parliamentary discussions by Navin Ramgoolam in June 2021 highlighted losses from the sale of two A319-100s Rs 338,100,000 and an A330-200 Rs 637,000,000 in November 2021. Additionally, an agreement for cannibalizing two A340-300s, initially expected to yield Rs 220,500,000 from spare parts sales, was reduced to Rs 151,900,000, with Air Mauritius ultimately receiving only Rs 83,300,000.