Is Africa Emerging as the Centre of Future Global Mining?

Africa’s mining sector is increasingly being recognised as a cornerstone of the future global mining landscape, driven by its vast endowment of critical minerals and strategic role in the energy transition. According to recent industry analysis, Africa holds the majority of global reserves in several key minerals: for example, the continent accounts for around 80% of global platinum-group metals (PGMs) and significant shares of cobalt (55%), manganese (47.65%), copper (5.9%), nickel (5.6%), and substantial gold, copper, lithium, and bauxite reserves. These resources are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and high-tech manufacturing, positioning Africa at the centre of future supply chains.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) alone produces about 70% of the world’s cobalt, a critical input for lithium-ion batteries, and is a major copper producer, underscoring the continent’s strategic importance in the battery and renewable sectors. Meanwhile, South Africa dominates global PGM output, vital for hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.

Africa’s mining landscape is being reshaped by expanding connectivity, modern transport corridors, and improved access to global markets, enhancing the continent’s ability to serve international supply chains efficiently. Alongside this, a strong emphasis on mineral beneficiation and in-country processing is gaining momentum, enabling greater value creation within producing regions.

This approach supports employment generation, skills development, and industrial growth, while strengthening Africa’s role beyond raw material supply. With rising global demand for critical minerals used in clean energy, electrification, and advanced manufacturing, Africa is increasingly positioned as a strategic, value-driven contributor to future-focused mineral ecosystems.