Critical minerals and sustainable, socially inclusive mining
NAI research contributes to a better understanding of environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive mining in Africa, including mining, processing and sustainable value chains. The research is grounded in academic studies, fieldwork and close cooperation with African actors.
Recent NAI analyses of the African mining sector focus on the socio-economic challenges and shifting geopolitics of access to critical minerals, essential to powering green transition technologies, digitalisation and the defence industry.
There are many opportunities for knowledge and technology transfers between mineral-rich African countries and Nordic countries, which have a long tradition of including communities in the mining value chain and developing environmentally sustainable practices. These have the potential to catalyse sustainable, socially inclusive development, while also contributing to secure mineral supplies essential for the green transition and other technological innovations.
Research and resources on mining in Africa
State leverage key for mineral value chains in the Copperbelt External link.
Since 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia have taken steps towards establishing a regional battery value chain, seeking to move from extraction towards higher-value production such as battery precursors and, ultimately, batteries themselves.
Local inclusion and regulatory control key to sustainable mining External link.
Zimbabwe’s rich lithium reserves have sparked a foreign investment boom, particularly from China. While the government, eager to attract investments, helps foreign mining companies secure access to ‘the white gold’, artisanal miners are sidelined.
Yesterday mineral supplier, tomorrow battery producer External link.
The current global green mineral boom is driving increased mining exploration in Africa. The African Union has outlined shared visions to leverage the continent’s mineral reserves and youth boom in pursuit of sustainable development and socio-economic transformation.
Game of minerals in the sands of Senegal External link.
The extraction of critical minerals in Senegal highlights the complex tradeoffs between economic growth, environmental sustainability and social equity.
Researchers: Nordics could lead the way in strategic mining partnerships in Africa