A United Arab Emirates-backed mining group is seeking to expand its growing African portfolio with a potential acquisition of Kenmare Resources, the Irish-listed company operating one of the world’s largest titanium mineral deposits in Mozambique.
International Resources Holding (IRH), the Abu Dhabi-based mining investment company, is reportedly considering an offer for Kenmare, whose Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique produces ilmenite, rutile and zircon.
The potential deal would give the UAE investor a major position in the global titanium minerals market while extending its presence in Africa beyond copper and other strategic minerals.
Kenmare’s Moma operation is located in Nampula province and is one of Mozambique’s largest mining projects. The mine extracts heavy mineral sands containing titanium-bearing minerals used in the production of pigments, titanium metal and other industrial products.
IRH’s interest in Kenmare comes after the company has rapidly increased its involvement in African mining. The group has recently secured major deals in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo as it seeks access to minerals considered important to global energy, industrial and technological supply chains.
In Zambia, IRH reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Mopani Copper Mines, strengthening its position in one of Africa’s most important copper-producing countries. The company has also been involved in mining assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding to its growing regional footprint.
The potential Mozambique transaction would mark a shift beyond copper into mineral sands and titanium, highlighting the UAE investor’s broader strategy of building a diversified portfolio of critical and strategic minerals across Africa.
The reported interest in Kenmare follows growing competition among international investors for African mineral assets. Governments and companies in the Middle East, Europe, China and the United States have increased efforts to secure supplies of minerals needed for manufacturing, infrastructure, defence and the energy transition.
IRH has emerged as one of the more aggressive Gulf-based investors in Africa’s mining sector. Its strategy has involved acquiring stakes in established operations rather than relying solely on greenfield exploration, allowing it to gain access to producing assets and existing infrastructure.
The company’s African expansion also comes as mineral-rich countries seek investment to develop resources and increase the contribution of mining to their economies.
Mozambique has substantial deposits of coal, natural gas, graphite and heavy mineral sands. The country has increasingly attracted international mining companies looking for long-term access to minerals, although investors have also faced challenges involving infrastructure, security, logistics and regulatory conditions.
For Kenmare, any takeover would involve an asset with established production, export infrastructure and a long operating history. The Moma mine has been in production since 2007 and ships its products through the company’s dedicated facilities at the nearby port of Nacala.
The potential acquisition would give IRH exposure to titanium feedstocks at a time when demand for critical industrial minerals is receiving increased attention. Titanium minerals are widely used in applications ranging from paints and plastics to aerospace, chemicals and advanced manufacturing.
IRH’s interest in Mozambique is also consistent with a wider pattern of Gulf investors seeking strategic assets across Africa. Abu Dhabi-based companies have increased investments in mining, energy, logistics and infrastructure as the UAE seeks to strengthen its position in global commodity supply chains.
The possible Kenmare bid follows another major African mining investment involving IRH in Zimbabwe, where the company has been linked to a planned $500 million platinum project. The Zimbabwe investment underscores the group’s push to build a sizeable and geographically diverse African mining portfolio.
