African Mining March 2025 | Page 20

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a more sustainable and efficient method for metals production . We are committed to ensuring that Tanzanian nickel , copper and cobalt is refined by Tanzanians , in Tanzania for the world .”
Davis detailed the Peak Rare Earths Project and commended the government for supporting Tanzania ’ s critical mineral belts at international mining events . “ Peak is developing the Ngualla Rare Earths Project in partnership with the government of Tanzania . We are pursuing a staged development approach entailing the initial development of a mine and beneficiation facilities , which is to be followed by a mixed rare earth carbonate refinery and a rare earth separation facility . Rare earths are integral to the global energy transition and are used in EV motors and direct drive wind turbines . Tanzania is an established and rapidly improving mining jurisdiction characterised by world-class critical minerals deposits , pro mining and foreign investment government policies , political stability , strong social cohesion and is benefiting from major infrastructure initiatives across ports , rail and power .”
Reflecting on his extensive experience in Tanzania and the region , Lobow offered his assessment of Africa ’ s future as a global critical minerals hub — " The Tanzanian Mining Investment Conference 2024 provides a clear message that Africa will be part of the energy transition but will not be subject to upstream involvement only . There is more that Africa can offer the world apart from a diversified supply chain for raw materials , the continent also aims to establish an industrial downstream processing value chain to address socio-economic challenges which many African countries face . The strong presence of the respective Kenyan , Ugandan and Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals has demonstrated regional cooperation as a pathway to develop their mining industries through strategic collaboration and healthy competition ."
DMT Kai Batla , in an effort to expand its footprint and develop capacity across the country , has established a joint venture with a Tanzanian partner . Such efforts provide examples for local content , which is a priority for the Tanzanian government and Tanzanian companies . At the event , Blaisse used the opportunity to make an important announcement : “ It was a pleasure to take part in the panel discussion around transitional minerals at the well-organised TMIF this year . This has been a transformative year for Helium One in Tanzania , following the country ’ s first helium discovery in southern Rukwa and our filing of an ML application , and it was a great opportunity to share our story and make the other major mineral players in Tanzania aware of the value of this highly sought after commodity and its non-substitutable uses in the electrical , medical and space industry sectors ."
Other highlights from the conference regarding critical minerals included McKinsey Partner Adam Kendall ’ s keynote address and remarks from Lifezone Metals CEO Chris Showalter and Faru CEO John de Vries . Kendall cited a new report by Manufacturing Africa and the Faraday Institution – Global Shifts in Battery Manufacturing : From Minerals to Manufacturing – Africa ’ s Cost Competitiveness in Global Battery Supply Chains . 1 Another key session - “ Strategies and development needs to optimise benefits in the critical minerals value chain ” – reflected the broad scope of issues that were covered .
Tanzania ’ s commitment to critical minerals has developed alongside its annual mining conference and the energy transition , creating a multiplier effect for this massive country . This year ’ s focus on value addition is another example of the country ’ s forward-looking perspective . Tanzania is focused on attracting global players , local participation and beneficiation . Based on highlights from critical mineral projects featured at the conference , 2025 promises continued growth for Tanzania as a global hub for the energy transition . •
Reference :
1 . manufacturingafrica . org / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 10 / from-mineralsto-manufacturing _ africa-competitiveness-in-global-battery-supplychains _ core-report-updated . pdf
18 • African Mining • March 2025 www . africanmining . co . za