CMIA Partners with Critical Minerals Africa to Strengthen Africa-Global Mining Collaboration

African countries are harnessing technology and international expertise to bolster critical mineral exploration and production, contributing to economic growth.

African nations rich in critical minerals are ramping up their collaboration with international stakeholders to attract investments and enhance their mineral value chains. The Critical Minerals International Alliance (CMIA) is reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation by partnering with the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit, set for November 6-7, 2024, in Cape Town. Olimpia Pilch, CMIA’s Chief Operating Officer, will highlight the crucial role of global partnerships in overcoming industry challenges and seizing opportunities.

The CMA Summit aims to establish Africa as the leading investment destination for critical minerals. The summit will run alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, offering a comprehensive view of energy, mining, and finance sectors to delegates. For more information on sponsorship, exhibiting, or attending, interested parties can reach out to sales@energycapitalpower.com.

African countries are harnessing technology and international expertise to bolster critical mineral exploration and production, contributing to economic growth. In July 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to the world’s fourth-largest copper reserves, resumed operations at the Kipushi Mine in collaboration with Canadian firm Ivanhoe Mines. The mine’s concentrator is being upgraded to increase output from 140,000 to 960,000 tons per annum, significantly enhancing DRC’s copper production.

“Partnerships with international markets are crucial for African nations to optimize their critical mineral value chains. As Africa strives to fully realize its mineral potential, global collaboration is key for accessing the necessary funding and technological expertise for infrastructure development and mineral production,” said Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power, the organizer of CMA.

Zambia is also advancing its critical mineral sector with the support of UAE-based International Resources Holding (IRH), which acquired a 51% stake in Mopani Copper Mines in a $1.1 billion deal in March 2024. This partnership is set to boost the project’s output from 72,694 metric tons in 2022 to 200,000 metric tons within three years, moving Zambia closer to its goal of increasing copper production to 3 million tons by 2032.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is expanding its lithium industry through collaborations with Chinese investors. In April 2024, Rwizi Rukuru completed a lithium processing plant in Mutoko, and Shengxiang Investments finished a lithium facility in Goromonzi in March 2024. These developments align with Zimbabwe’s strategy to add value to its lithium resources.

At the CMA Summit, Olimpia Pilch will address the effects of geopolitics on Africa’s critical mineral sector and engage in discussions on how global trends are influencing investments in the industry.