Mining Governance in Africa
Summary
- Key governance issues
- Weight of Africa — reserves & production
- Industry vs. Artisanal Mining (ASM)
- Key countries & critical minerals challenges
- Explanatory factors of performance
- International Indices & Standards
- Impacts — communities, rights, environment
- Functional State STRATEGIES! & reforms
Introduction
In recent years, demand for critical minerals has grown exponentially, fueled by the energy transition and the fight against climate change. Africa, which holds around 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and 20% of global mineral wealth, finds itself at the heart of this race to acquire natural resources. The rush for African minerals is in full throttle!
This situation is not new for the continent, which has experienced similar mineral rushes in the past. Unfortunately, mineral wealth has often translated into poverty, corruption, rights violations and environmental damage for African populations and economies.
It is therefore essential to ask what needs to be done to ensure that this time African states and citizens truly benefit from the minerals they provide the world? What needs to be done to ensure justice and equity for African populations in the “just energy transition”?
To contribute to responding to these questions, STRATEGIES!, a consultancy which has been supporting governments, development actors and private companies on management and governance issues in Africa for over 30 years, is organizing a webinar on the theme: “Making Mining work for African States and Citizens”.