Modern Mining June 2025

TCIRNITOICUATLOMOINKERALS

The escalating demand for minerals is abundantly clear — especially green minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium.

Mining wealth: Building community opportunities from Africa’s mineral boom

With the world clamouring for critical minerals to power renewable energy technologies, Africa is on the brink of a green mineral mining boom that could redefine its economic landscape. But this wealth must translate into real benefits for the people and communities residing in the regions where these mines operate. By Mark Evans, Partner at Oliver Wyman

D uring the bustling Africa Mining Indaba held in Cape Town this past February, it was evident that Africa’s immense mineral wealth is increasingly drawing the attention of industry leaders and investors. The escalating demand for minerals is abundantly clear — especially green minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium, which are vital for renewable energy technologies today. Africa is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, as it boasts 30% of the world’s mineral reserves. However, more must be done to foster economic and structural transformation within

mineral-producing nations, particularly in the realms of economic diversification and industrialisation ambitions. As part of this, mining operations must view themselves as guests in the communities where they operate to build sustainable operations – but also because the critical truth is that they will eventually depart. Meanwhile, for the residents of these towns, these places are not temporary; they are their homes. Building mineral value chains Africa must focus on enhancing its green minerals

Mark Evans, a partner at Oliver Wyman.

10  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JUNE 2025