Modern Mining December 2024

CRITICAL MINERALS

Critical Minerals Summit scheduled for robust discussions Following the inaugural African Critical Minerals Summit held in Johannesburg last year, organisers are gearing up for another successful event, targeting stakeholders at decision making level and close to 500 delegates, Tshegofatso Motsoenyane, who is spearheading the event, tells Modern Mining .

S cheduled to take place on December 2-3, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre, the summit will bring together leaders from government, industry, and civil society to explore the role of Africa’s critical minerals in global energy transition and sustainable development. As the world transitions to a clean energy system, there is need for critical metals, such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements, to support clean energy technologies. Policy developments Discussing how African countries are progressing policy developments relating to critical minerals, Motsoenyane says African nations are making notable progress in advancing their agendas on critical minerals, recognising the continent’s vast mineral wealth and importance in the global shift towards green technologies. “Several countries are formulating policies and strategies to harness these resources responsibly and maximise economic benefits, while also addressing environmental sustainability and social concerns.” Motsoenyane points to the African Union’s Africa Mining Vision (AMV), adopted in 2009, which remains a central framework guiding Africa’s mining policies. Aiming to transform Africa’s mineral wealth into sustainable development, the AMV promotes resource-based industrialisation. “While the AMV covers all mining activities, its principles are increasingly being applied to critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.” She adds that the African Continental Free Trade Area

Critical metals include copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements.

Lithium is used in batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and portable electronics.

18  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | DECEMBER 2024