The China in Africa Podcast Tracking China's Dominance of the Transition Minerals Trade
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Feb 27, 2025 Brooke Escobar and Katherine Walsh from AidData dive into China's commanding lead in the transition minerals trade. They discuss the Democratic Republic of Congo's recent cobalt export suspension and its global implications. The duo examines China's $57 billion investments across 19 countries, highlighting its strategic financing methods. They debunk myths surrounding Chinese mining practices in Africa and contrast China's aggressive loan strategies with the more restrained approaches of Western nations, revealing the complexities in the global mineral landscape.
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DRC Halts Cobalt Exports
- The DRC halted cobalt exports for four months to control oversupply and increase prices.
- Chinese company CMOC, a major cobalt producer, faces setbacks due to this export halt.
Norinco Acquires Shemaf Assets
- Shemaf, a Congolese mining company, sells copper and cobalt assets due to low prices.
- Chinese firm Norinco is set to acquire these assets for $1.4 billion.
AidData Report on Chinese Financing
- A new AidData report analyzes Chinese financing of transition minerals.
- The report tracks $57 billion in aid and subsidized credit across 19 Belt and Road countries over 22 years.