International Resources Holdings (IRH), an Emirati-based company, has been increasing its influence in African mining over the past two years. This expansion began with the acquisition of Mopani, a copper mine in Zambia, in 2024. In the following year, IRH acquired 56% of Alphamin Resources, which operates the Bisie tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for more than 300 million USD. Kenmare Resources, a British firm that operates the Moma mine in Mozambique, announced on October 6 that it had received a non-binding proposal from IRH regarding the acquisition of the entire company. The proposal involves a cash offer, but the exact amount and specific conditions have not been revealed. Negotiations between the two companies are ongoing, with IRH having until November 17 to make a formal offer or confirm that it will not proceed further. IRH's interest in Kenmare Resources is partly strategic, as the group tends to focus on existing assets or those with controlled risk levels. It also targets raw materials that are essential to various industries. The Moma mine produces ores containing titanium, mainly in the form of ilmenite and rutile, as well as zircon, with potential for exploitation extending for more than 100 years. Titanium-based materials are used in titanium dioxide, a pigment found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and paints. In the United States, titanium is considered critical for applications such as aircraft armor and spacecraft. Zircon is used as a refractory material, meaning it can withstand high temperatures. Kenmare also produces small quantities of monazite, a mineral containing rare earth elements. The extent to which these materials will affect the ongoing discussions between IRH and Kenmare remains unclear. The potential acquisition could mark a significant shift in the ownership and management of the Moma mine, which is a key player in the production of rare and valuable minerals. The outcome of these discussions may have broader implications for the mining industry in Africa and the global supply chains that depend on these resources.