Richard H. R.’s Post

Africa's Mineral Momentum: Shaping Global Industries and Supply Chains Africa's emerging role in the global minerals market presents significant implications for industries worldwide. With the United States eyeing the continent to diversify its supply chains away from Chinese dominance and reduce reliance on Russian minerals, Africa's potential as a key player is under the spotlight. In a recent visit to a platinum mine in Marikana, South Africa, U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo emphasized Africa's importance in breaking free from dependence on singular countries or companies for critical minerals. As Western nations seek to secure access to essential resources amid geopolitical tensions and the energy transition, Africa's abundant mineral reserves offer a promising alternative. China's extensive investments in African mining projects underscore the continent's strategic significance in global supply chains. From copper and cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo to lithium in Zimbabwe, Chinese involvement underscores the competition for access to Africa's mineral wealth. As industries worldwide navigate supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties, Africa's ascent in the minerals market offers a beacon of opportunity. By fostering partnerships, embracing sustainable practices, and enhancing regulatory frameworks, Africa can solidify its position as a key contributor to global mineral supply chains, shaping industries and economies across continents. #AfricanResources #GlobalSupplyChains #EnergyTransition #SustainableMining #Copper #Cobalt #Lithium

Right on….plenty of projects near shovel ready here in NA….paying a decent wage and ESG concerns should be top of mind besides the resource life and cost to develop….aren’t we better off with a close- to- home solution as well as helping out developing countries with their sustainable mining journies?

As global businesses target Central Africa's mineral wealth, particularly copper and cobalt essential for EV batteries, it is crucial to prioritize the emancipation and equitable benefit of African people rather than mere exploitation. While countries like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) offer vast resources, foreign investments often prioritize profit over local development. Zambia's ambition to triple copper production by 2031 highlights the high demand, yet this should lead to substantial economic benefits for its people. U.S., Japanese, and European investments, such as those from KoBold Metals and First Quantum Minerals, are leveraging advanced technologies and substantial funds. However, it is essential to ensure that these ventures do not replicate historical patterns of exploitation. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments must be prioritized, especially in regions criticized for labor issues. The development of infrastructure, like the Lobito Corridor, should support local economies and not just facilitate resource extraction. #AfricanResources #SustainableMining #EquitableGrowth #CopperCobalt #ForeignInvestment #LocalEmpowerment #ESGPractices

The United States is looking to Africa to help loosen a Chinese stranglehold on battery metals and reduce Russia's influence over the market for other minerals, U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said. "Africa is going to play a huge role," he said. "A lot of critical minerals are located here." The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is, meanwhile, aiming to de-risk private investment in Africa. And the deputy secretary said Washington was incentivising U.S. manufacturing to boost demand for those minerals and create favourable market conditions for miners. #criticalminerals #investment #partnerships #supplychains #geopolitics https://lnkd.in/dk74rkh5

U.S. economic and national security depends on a reliable supply of critical minerals, yet for many minerals, like cobalt, graphite and manganese, the U.S. is heavily dependent on imports. The final report from our Senior Study Group on Critical Minerals in Africa explores the role Africa plays in the United States’ efforts to diversify U.S. critical mineral supply chains and how new investment in partnerships with African countries could help drive economic development and strengthen peace and security on the African continent. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eqYQXnDS

When it comes to the basic minerals (nickel, lithium and cobalt) to power the E-economy, China has the world by the balls. China has diligently acquired and developed mineral deposits around the world, piling investment upon investment. Although Western companies are moving to develop mineral projects at home and abroad, China’s head start and government controlled economy means those projects can’t compete when China floods the market with cheap nickel, lithium and cobalt. In 2023, non-Chinese investment in refined cobalt declined to the lowest level in 15 years. Chinese lithium mining as a percentage grew from 14% in 2018 to 35% in 2023. China now controls 70% of lithium processing. The article compares China to the U.S.: Chinese miners are “deep-pocketed and aggressive” willing to take on risks U.S. companies & shareholders won’t, State-run banks in China will lend to risky projects, while U.S. companies struggle to get loans and Chinese projects get developed quickly with “simple straight-forward engineering capability that the Chinese have that has been lost in the rest of the world.” Query: Do we still have the policy and industrial capacity to respond to this market threat in a serious way? #mining #energytransition #China

"As for those countries that are in dire need of Africa’s minerals, they should stop the demagoguery and find a way to compete with China’s approach. It won’t be easy, for the West in particular. China has the advantage that it can negotiate government to government agreements, which African governments prefer, whereas the West relies on the corporate world to do its work for them. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one nation taking on this challenge. To achieve its ambitious Vision 2030, it will need plenty of critical minerals and has turned its focus towards the “super region” which includes West Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Much like Chinese strategic planning, KSA also takes a long-term view to its own development and is in a position to negotiate government to government deals. It also has a lot of wealth it can deploy. Like, a lot. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS) has committed to investing $25 billion towards clean energy by the end of the decade and looks to invest another $15 billion to acquire stakes in mineral projects in return for offtake agreements for the physical metals. Additionally, it proposed $10 billion to finance and ensure Saudi exports through 2030 and an additional $5 billion in development financing for African nations. Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal, citing people with knowledge of the talks, reported that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are in talks to secure metals in Africa needed to help them with their energy transitions. This approach is smart and might solve America’s dilemma in competing with China. KSA, which has working relationships with all the great powers, is uniquely positioned to somewhat copy the Chinese approach. The Kingdom is not the only recent entrant in Africa. Qatar, along with the UAE (Saudi’s frenemy), and to a lesser extent Turkey, are also looking to invest in Africa. We can only hope they take a similar approach. If we hope to avoid ongoing turmoil and deadly conflict in Africa, it’s imperative that the global community secures its mineral needs while creating an environment that will benefit the fast-growing population of ordinary Africans. These objectives do not need to be mutually exclusive." https://lnkd.in/gJ59hC8W

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

The African leadership is wandering around despite abundant natural resources to beg for investments. Africa is certainly a s- hole . Africa needs someone like Donald Trump. See countries like Nigeria ,DRC,Ghana and Guinea Conakry still struggling to secure basic needs for their citizens. The whole issue is the leadership it is not about human capital .African nations should be investing around the globe. it is important to be aware that neocolonism and monkeys leadership are taking Africa in the s-hole because the leadership is failing to empower thei own citizens .It will not take so long .We are dissatisfied by Guinea Conakry,their junta government performs below the expectation standard .My question is why Rio Tinto was granted a license despite issues of corruption and other non performance issues? If we don't change our attitude ,others will still perceive African as inferior primates . Investment and provide more jobs for its burgeoning youth population. Mining is seen by the Saudi government as the third industrial pillar that will move its economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons. Asked where the country was with respect to those Vision 2030 goals, the mining minister was optimistic. “You know, sectors such as tourism show quick results, we are maybe a slower sector. But when I see the pipeline, the different projects that we are doing, pipeline of private sector investment, pipeline infrastructure, that is really to me the true proof that we are also going to hopefully meet our targets.” “Our job actually today in the ministry and the ecosystem is to help accelerate, move projects much faster,” he said, stressing the importance of working with investors to address their needs. Part of that is the kingdom’s new mineral exploration incentive program, announced Wednesday, that has a budget of more than $182 million. “Generally speaking, I’m really very happy to see the progress,” Al Khorayef said. “I mean, in terms of policies, it’s all set in terms of enablers, it’s all set in terms of the infrastructure. In terms of budgeting and financing all of the infrastructures, we have been enabled. So, you know, it’s our job now to do it.”

They are running around taking 1cent dollar bribes than focusing creating local values stupidly believing in International Monetary Fund and The World Bank . To these Nigerians abroad calling themselves smart you need to step in and change your country not these corrupt crocodiles .In Francophone Africa we have started and nothing will stop us. Nigeria struggles to provide energy to its citizens, yet it's ready to engage in pipelines to supply gas to Morocco and Europe. It's time to choose human beings, not monkeys, to lead your countries. In a world that wants African minerals but not Africans, Saudi Arabia is betting on the continent's resources to become a minerals and industrial powerhouse. With over $2.5 trillion in potential riches under its soil, Saudi Arabia plans to invest abroad, refining, processing, and manufacturing based on raw minerals mined elsewhere. Khalid al-Mudaifer, the vice minister for mining, acknowledges that infrastructure is a key challenge to unlocking the full potential of African mineral resources. The kingdom pledges to help build up African countries' capacity to refine minerals into more lucrative products, thereby capturing more of the economic value of their resources. Saudi Arabia's focus is on addressing the shortage of infrastructure in African countries rich in critical minerals.