The China in Africa Podcast China-Africa Critical Minerals Update: Clean Up in Zambia, Disputes in the DR Congo
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May 30, 2025 Jérôme Nima, CGSP's Africa editor, and Obert Bore, critical minerals editor from Harare, delve into pressing issues surrounding mining in Africa. They discuss the skepticism over Zambia's cleanup of an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine, where government promises clash with activist concerns. Tensions are also rising in the DRC, with public disputes between mining giants highlighting deeper fractures in cobalt and copper sectors. The duo emphasizes the need for transparency and fair compensation amid geopolitical and corporate rivalries.
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China as Global South Role Model
- China is seen positively as an example for the Global South to escape structural barriers in the international system.
- African countries could leverage China's investment in critical mineral supply chains for greater geopolitical engagement.
Leverage Defines Geopolitics Role
- Geopolitics around critical minerals should focus on countries with significant production and leverage.
- Smaller producers risk being sidelined in critical mineral geopolitical discussions without resource control.
Regional Cooperation Faces Resistance
- Regional integration in mining value chains faces resistance due to national interests.
- Even closely connected countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa struggle to collaborate on processing value chains.