China’s dominance in critical mineral processing threatens Africa’s ability to fully capitalize on its vast mineral wealth.
Without urgent reforms and local investment, the continent risks deepening its dependence on Chinese interests, allowing foreign entities to reap the benefits of its resources, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
At the 14th Society of Mining Professors (SOMP) regional meeting and conference in Zimbabwe, Dr. George Barakos delivered a presentation titled “Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Treasure: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Critical Minerals Landscape.”
He warned of China’s growing control over Africa’s critical minerals sector, particularly in resource-rich nations like Zimbabwe.
China’s monopolistic hold on key processing technologies, Barakos noted, puts Africa in a vulnerable position. “China, I don’t think, would be willing to give it away,” he remarked, emphasizing how Chinese companies continue to secure African resources to strengthen their global dominance.
Despite these challenges, Barakos highlighted Africa’s immense potential for value addition, industrial growth, and job creation.
He stressed that without substantial domestic investment and policy reforms, Africa risks remaining a mere supplier of raw materials while foreign powers control downstream processing and profits.
Developing local mineral processing industries, Barakos argued, could curb brain drain by creating employment opportunities at home.
“If these opportunities exist in Africa, we can stop the talent exodus to other parts of the world,” he said. However, failure to confront China’s growing influence, coupled with market volatility, political instability, and environmental concerns in key mining regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, could jeopardize this future.
As a solution, Barakos called for increased collaboration, transparency, and legislative reforms. He urged African governments to attract investment by reducing policy risks and fostering cooperation between geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists to build resilient value chains.
To secure Africa’s mineral future, Barakos emphasized the need for a strategic shift: “Economic and social growth from critical mineral processing must happen on Africa’s terms.”
His presentation served as a wake-up call for African nations to take control of their resources and reduce reliance on foreign monopolies.
