FLSmidth’s Post

🇦🇫Afghanistan’s Untapped Mineral Wealth: Opportunities and Challenges Afghanistan is home to significant mineral resources, presenting immense potential for economic growth and global supply chain integration. Key areas of mineral concentration include: - Oil and Gas: Concentrated in northern and western regions, including Sar-e Pol, Herat, and Ghazni. - Coal: Abundant in central regions like Bamyan. - Iron: Major reserves at Hajigak. - Lithium and Rare Earth Metals: Found primarily in the south and east (Kunar and Kandahar), these are critical for green energy technologies. - Copper: The largest deposit is at Aynak, near Kabul. - Precious Stones: Located in Badakhshan and Panjshir provinces. - Uranium: Discovered in regions such as southern Helmand. - Limestone, Barite, and Magnesite: Distributed across the country. Key Opportunities: - Lithium and Rare Earth Metals: Essential for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy, making Afghanistan a potentially strategic supplier in the global energy transition. - Copper: High demand driven by construction and electrical industries. - Oil and Gas: Could bolster Afghanistan’s energy independence. Challenges: 1. Infrastructure Deficit: Limited transportation and processing capabilities. 2. Political Instability: Hinders foreign investment and long-term development. 3. Environmental Risks: Requires robust measures to mitigate ecological impact. If stability is achieved, Afghanistan could emerge as a major player in the global market for critical minerals, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and renewable energy resources. #MineralResources #Afghanistan #GlobalSupplyChain #GreenEnergy #MiningIndustry

UK to sign critical minerals partnership with Saudi Arabia Britain will sign a minerals cooperation partnership with Saudi Arabia that could help strengthen supply chains, create opportunities for British businesses and attract investment into the UK, the British government said on Tuesday. https://lnkd.in/gJfNvX-5 Philip Allott #UKNews #UK #News #LatestUKnews

Investments in infrastructure in Africa to improve the efficiency of exporting critical metals (mostly copper and cobalt) from the Copperbelt. The US supporting the Lobito Corridor from Angola into the Copperbelt. The Chinese looking to take the lead on the eastern corridor from Dar es Salam into the Copperbelt.

Saudi Arabia has huge ambitions in the critical minerals sector and has identified Africa as a big investment opportunity. 📍This comes at an opportune time when several African countries are exploring ways to process minerals at home in order to drive the economic development of their countries.  📍It is good to see that high on the agenda of Saudi’s priorities includes helping African countries to build up their infrastructure and capacity 📍This will support the local processing of raw minerals, allowing Africa to capture more of the economic value of their resources. While Saudi’s plans to invest in African critical minerals could hold a great opportunity for the continent, it is vital to ensure governments and investors work together to ensure this is carried our properly, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth for both parties. Read more - https://lnkd.in/dyqnGcfp

📢 Now available in English: SWP-Comment "Saudi Arabia Strives to Become Major Player in Mineral Supply Chains" In a shifting economic and geopolitical landscape, Saudi Arabia is making significant moves to diversify its economy and position itself as a key player in the the global market of minerals and metals. With substantial financial resources and strategic ambition, the kingdom aims to strengthen its domestic mineral sector and expand local processing industries. At the same time, it is building relationships with mineral-rich countries and seeks to secure resources through strategic investments in mineral projects across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In my latest SWP publication, co-authored with my colleague Mark Schrolle, we analyse Saudi Arabia's transformation and explore the challenges and opportunities for the EU in developing a strategic partnership with the kingdom in the minerals sector. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dKwkFPwD We welcome your feedback and look forward to engaging discussions! #SWP #MineralSupplyChains #Geopolitics #SaudiArabia #ResourcePolicy

Africa: Report - US Must Enhance Critical Minerals Strategy in Africa

Africa holds a significant share of the world’s mineral resources needed for the clean #energy transition, positioning the continent as a stage for geopolitical competition among #China, the #US, #Europe, and #Gulf countries. Gulf states, with their substantial capital and successful development stories, provide a model for #African countries that have struggled to leverage their mineral wealth for socioeconomic progress. Gulf states’ interest in #minerals and other natural resources on the continent thus offers an opportunity for African countries to adopt a different approach including creation of adequate #policy frameworks that would ensure they reap maximum benefits from their mineral resources and growing interest from Gulf actors. Read my latest commentary - “The Governance of Natural Resources in Africa and the Role of the Gulf States” - published by the Gulf Research Center - مركز الخليج للأبحاث here: https://lnkd.in/dfdQ7KrD

Overview of Syria’s Mineral ResourcesSyria boasts a diverse array of mineral resources that play a significant role in its economy and geopolitical landscape. Key among these resources are oil and natural gas, which are concentrated mainly in the eastern regions of the country. The Syrian oil reserves are estimated to be around 2.5 billion barrels, with production primarily occurring in the Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah governorates. These areas not only present strategic value due to their hydrocarbon resources but also because they are situated near major transportation routes that facilitate resource extraction and distribution. <a href="https://lnkd.in/gsF7wa6P">https://lnkd.in/gsF7wa6P</a> <!-- ads --> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); <a href="https://lnkd.in/gsF7wa6P">https://lnkd.in/gsF7wa6P</a> <!-- ads --> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Natural gas is another crucial mineral resource in Syria, with reserves estimated at approximately 240 billion cubic meters. It is predominantly located in the northeastern part of the country. The extraction of natural gas is often intertwined with the oil industry, and the presence of both resources contributes significantly to Syria’s energy needs, domestic consumption, and potential export opportunities. Furthermore, the development of gas infrastructure would enable Syria to enhance its energy production capabilities, supporting both industrial growth and domestic consumption.In addition to hydrocarbons, Syria possesses various essential minerals, including phosphates, iron ore, and limestone. Phosphate deposits, notably found in the eastern region, are critical for the agricultural sector and fertilizer production. These minerals not only have local economic implications but can also attract international investment, lending to increased competition among stakeholders eager to secure control over these valuable resources. The strategic importance of Syria’s mineral wealth cannot be understated, as it remains a focal point in regional geopolitics, often shaping alliances and conflicts among local, regional, and international actors.Syria During the Gulf Oil WarThe Gulf Oil War, which erupted in 1990 following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, marked a significant turning point in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Syria’s position during this conflict revealed its strategic importance in a region critical to global energy supplies. As the war escalated, the American interests in securing oil resources became paramount, reshaping the dynamics of regional power. Syria, under the leadership of President Hafez al-Assad, found itself at the intersection of

Happy belated Africa Day! The best way to celebrate Africa Day is by recognizing and highlighting the efforts made by African states to develop their economies. For instance, Zimbabwe’s ban on the export of raw lithium is a commendable step. This policy is expected to generate additional revenue, create infrastructure and jobs, and accelerate economic growth. May more African nations follow this example. #Develop Africa #Promote Africa. https://lnkd.in/dcHymSFs

USA:n pitäisi panostaa yhteistyöhön Persianlahden arabimaiden kanssa kriittisten mineraalien saatavuuden varmistamiseksi, sanoo CSIS: "As Middle Eastern countries rapidly advance their mineral production and processing efforts, they can be strategic allies that provide sourcing alternatives to China. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—particularly Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Oman - bring significant capital, have ambitious goals in the upstream and midstream sectors, and offer entry into resource-rich emerging markets  that the U.S. has made limited progress in.  ...A critical set of countries that have been left out are those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—particularly Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Oman. These countries should be a central part of U.S. efforts to create resilient supply chains given their capital, ambitious goals, and entry into resource-rich markets that the United States has made limited progress in. Ultimately, member countries of the GCC can serve as strategic allies, offering both production and processing alternatives to China.  However, this will require formalizing partnerships  and integrating them into incentive programs  to compete on a level playing field with countries already benefiting from existing incentives. New partnerships and incentives should be a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy moving forward. This strategy mirrors how China has achieved a significant advance in the mining industry for decades. The GCC should be a central component of this approach." #kriittisetmineraalit #yhdysvallat #GulfCooperationCouncil #GCC #saudiarabia #UAE #qatar #oman https://lnkd.in/d6n_AdXP