Mantashe: Africa must lead in defining critical minerals

The Mineral Resources Minister of South Africa, Gwede Mantashe, made waves at the 31st Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town with his powerful comments urging Africa to take control of its mining sector. Mantashe emphasized the importance of Africa not allowing itself to be bullied by developed economies, particularly the United States. He stressed that the continent must resist being pushed around based on economic status, highlighting the need for African countries to utilize their rich resources to create wealth and elevate their economies. Mantashe's bold stance on sovereignty and independence in the mining sector sparked discussions and resonated with many attendees at the event. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters, Mantashe addressed various pressing issues facing the mining industry in Africa. He reiterated the need for African countries to unite and leverage their collective strengths to drive the continent's development. The Minister also emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure and investing in skills to ensure sustainable growth in the mining sector. Mantashe's vision for the future of African mining revolves around creating a conducive environment for investors while safeguarding the interests of African nations. One of the key themes that emerged from Mantashe's interview was the concept of future-proofing Africa's mining sector. He highlighted the critical role that Africa plays in supplying essential minerals to the global market and underscored the need for African countries to assert their sovereignty in resource management. Mantashe's strong stance on economic independence and self-reliance struck a chord with industry stakeholders and government officials alike, setting the tone for a new era of empowerment and transformation in the African mining landscape. Key Points: 1. Sovereignty and Independence: Mantashe emphasized the importance of African countries asserting their sovereignty in the mining sector and resisting external pressure from developed economies. He called for a paradigm shift where African nations harness their resources to drive economic growth and create wealth for their citizens. 2. Collaboration and Development: The Minister highlighted the need for African countries to collaborate and leverage each other's strengths to build a prosperous and sustainable mining industry. He stressed the role of infrastructure development and skills investment in shaping the future of African mining. 3. Investor Confidence and Policy Reform: Mantashe addressed concerns around foreign direct investment in South Africa's mining sector, emphasizing the importance of local ownership and economic empowerment. He discussed ongoing initiatives such as the cadastral system and efforts to streamline mining regulations to attract investors and drive sectoral growth. In a notable quote from the interview, Mantashe made a strong statement regarding illegal mining, stating, "You get involved in illegal mining, you are a criminal." He underscored the government's commitment to tackling illegal mining activities and affirmed the need for a robust law enforcement approach to safeguard the industry. As the mining sector continues to evolve, Mantashe's advocacy for African leadership and self-determination in the industry sets a precedent for a more empowered and resilient mining landscape on the continent. His call for a united front against external pressures and a focus on sustainable development underscores the critical role that Africa plays in shaping the future of the global mining sector.