African Mining March 2025 | Page 30

governance issues . What ’ s more is that ensuring equitable distribution of the benefits derived from mineral extraction and directing these benefits toward sustainable development is paramount .

The Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ) and Zambia exemplify Africa ' s mineral potential . Together , these nations supply a significant portion of the world ' s copper , with the DRC dominating global cobalt production .

Both countries are establishing special economic zones focused on electric vehicle and battery production 4 , aligning with the African Union ' s Agenda 2063 , which prioritises industrialisation and economic diversification .

Zimbabwe , a significant lithium producer , has banned raw lithium ore exports to encourage domestic value addition , attracting substantial foreign investment , including a USD300-million investment from Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt in the Arcadia lithium mine 5 .

" The DRC , Zambia and Zimbabwe are setting a powerful precedent ," says Laura Nicholson , head of Content & Strategic Partnerships for Mining Indaba . " By focusing on downstream processing and regional partnerships , they ' re demonstrating how Africa can move beyond raw mineral export and build a more sustainable , valuedriven mining sector ."

Opportunities and risks Today , the increasing global interest in Africa ' s minerals presents both opportunities and risks . Competition for access is intensifying , with various actors vying to secure supply chains 6 .

China ' s significant investments and strategic partnerships in the African mining sector highlight this competitive landscape . Russia , too , is expanding its influence through mining agreements and alliances .

Redefining critical Yet , at the heart of this all , for Africa , the term “ critical ” must go beyond referring to the minerals essential to produce green technologies . It must encompass a broader spectrum of minerals , including resources vital not only for global energy transformation but also for the continent ’ s own economic growth , infrastructure development , job creation , agriculture and poverty reduction .

Minerals like iron ore , bauxite and coal , essential for building infrastructure and powering industries , hold equal , if not greater , importance than those solely tied to the global energy transition .

While gold , a significant source of employment , and potash / phosphates , essential for agricultural development and food security , further exemplify this expanded , Africa-led definition of criticality .

" We need to broaden our understanding of what ' critical ' truly means for Africa ," she explains . " It ' s not just about the minerals needed for global energy transition ; it ' s about the resources that will drive sustainable development , create jobs and improve lives across the continent ."

In 2023 , in South Africa alone , the mining of critical minerals saw mining operators contribute roughly USD11.18-billion to the country ' s GDP and provide direct employment to almost half a million people 8 .

“ Africa ' s mineral wealth is its own destiny to shape ,” says Nicholson . “ If African nations continue only supplying raw minerals , they will miss out on the real economic benefits of the mineral boom . Thus , we must no longer simply supply the world ' s transition ; we must lead it . Mining Indaba 2025 marks the turning point – where Africa redefines critical not by global demands , but by its own needs , its own vision of prosperity . "

Navigating this complex geopolitical terrain requires strategic action . Intra-African co-operation and a comprehensive mineral governance framework , such as the African Green Minerals Strategy , are crucial for strengthening the continent ' s bargaining power and ensuring its central role in the global energy transition and green technology value chain .

Moving beyond raw mineral export and fostering value addition within Africa is essential for maximising the continent ' s gains from the mineral boom .

The African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) provides a platform for regional integration and the development of integrated supply chains ( Impact of the AFCFTA agreement on mining sector trade alliances - African Mining Online ) 7 potentially reducing reliance on external partnerships and promoting sustainable development within the African mining sector .

This is Africa ' s moment . It is time for Africa to seize control of this narrative , to define its own critical mineral priorities , and to chart a course toward prosperity , driven by its own resources . •

For more insights shared at Mining Indaba 2025 visit :

1 . https :// miningindaba . com / Home 2 . https :// www . africanmining . co . za / events / investing-in-african-miningindaba-2025-cape-town /

About Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 : This comprehensive platform for mining investment , finance and innovation in Africa ran from 3 – 6 February 2025 , at the CTICC 1 & 2 .

28 • African Mining • March 2025 www . africanmining . co . za