China’s presence in Africa’s mining sector has rapidly expanded over the past decades. This strategic collaboration between China and African nations has fueled economic growth and triggered discussions on how it influences peace and security dynamics across the continent. In 2019 alone, China’s imports from sub-Saharan Africa accounted for nearly $10 billion.
In recent years, China has emerged as a leading investor in Africa’s mining sector. The country’s insatiable appetite for raw materials to support its industrial and economic growth has driven Chinese companies to seek partnerships and investments across the African continent. Numerous mining operations have been established in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, and Ghana, among others, ET has learnt.
However, China’s engagement in this area has given rise to apprehensions regarding the transparency of its operations, environmental degradation, labour practices, unequal distribution of wealth and benefits, and the potential long-term effects on African economies and local communities, critics told ET. Moreover, there are instances where Chinese companies have been accused of contributing to corruption in some African countries.
“Africa’s mineral reserves is at a risk of becoming a spectre of geopolitical confrontation owing to the crucial role to be played by critical minerals in the future. China is one of the most consequential stakeholders in Africa, having invested billions in the mining and mineral extraction sectors in the continent. China’s growing dominance across critical mineral supply chains swiftly blends with its increasing assertiveness to shape a global order, which includes an element of dependency for key materials on Beijing. It could have far reaching security ramifications for Africa as well as other players including the United States and India,” according to Pradeep Mehta, Secretary General CUTS International, that has chapters in Africa.
While China’s involvement in Africa’s mining sector has sparked concerns about potential resource-driven conflicts, there are instances where its presence has threatened global security concerns. To comprehend China’s impact on peace and security in Africa, it is essential to consider the broader geopolitical context. China’s presence has sometimes intersected with existing tensions between countries and has raised concerns about potential military interests.Rare earth elements (REEs) play a crucial role in modern technology, from smartphones and electric vehicles to military equipment and renewable energy technologies. China has emerged as the dominant player in the global rare earth market, controlling a significant portion of its production and distribution to consolidate control over the industry. China’s concentration of rare earth processing facilities further strengthens its grip on the market.By leveraging its control over Africa’s mineral reserves, China could use them as a geopolitical tool, coercing or pressuring other nations in pursuit of its strategic interests, according to domain experts. Threats of restricting rare earth exports or manipulating prices could be used to gain political advantages or retaliate against perceived adversaries. As such, countries heavily reliant on Chinese rare earth supplies are vulnerable to potential disruptions in the supply chain, posing significant national security concerns.
The global reliance on China for rare earth elements exposes countries to supply chain vulnerabilities. Dependence on a single source significantly increases the risk of disruption due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or natural disasters. Diversification of supply sources and developing domestic production capabilities are necessary steps to mitigate these vulnerabilities, experts pointed out.
China’s aggressive pursuit of rare earth resources has involved strategic acquisitions of mining companies and technology transfer agreements. This has raised concerns about potential intellectual property theft and unauthorised transfer of critical technologies, particularly when foreign companies are compelled to share expertise in exchange for access to rare earth resources, ET has learnt.
International collaboration, diversification of supply sources, and sustainable rare earth production practices are essential. Balancing the global demand for rare earth elements while addressing environmental and security concerns requires a cooperative effort from the international community.
