In the ever-evolving realm of sustainability and the shift towards renewable energy, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is emerging as a prominent player with ambitious plans to use its abundant resources for the greater good.
Leading the way in this effort is the DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum (DBM), which serves as a key platform that unites different players in the battery metals industry. PENELOPE MASILELA speaks to VUKA Group’s Mining Events Director, SAMUKELO MADLABANE, to understand his outlook for this year’s forum.
The second DBM, to be held in Kinshasa from 17-18 September 2024, aims to build a fair and open battery metals industry while also pushing for local value chain growth that boosts inclusion and aids social and economic progress. The event brings together key players such as cobalt, copper, lithium and nickel producers, as well as battery manufacturers, traders and investors, to explore the implementation of a battery metals supply chain in Africa.
Madlabane aptly likens the DRC to a superhero in the green economy. “They have superpowers –tons of cobalt, lithium and copper – which are critical for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage and makes them super important on the world stage. The potential is there for the DRC to be a battery minerals hub for the entire continent,” says Madlabane.
“But there’s a bit of a kryptonite situation. Right now, most of these minerals are exported raw. The DRC misses the chance to create jobs and build a strong economy by processing these metals in Africa itself. There are also concerns about how this mining is done; it can be harmful to the environment and local people.”
AfCFTA and local Beneficiation
The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a revolutionary structure, offers the potential for local beneficiation in the battery metals industry. It facilitates seamless trade between African nations, allowing for collaborative ventures that harness the continent’s strengths.
Madlabane highlights that the AfCFTA is like a magic key for local beneficiation in the battery metals industry. It basically unlocks easier trade between African countries. This means the DRC can team up with other African nations that have processing plants to create a super-strong battery metals industry across the continent. Imagine a win-win situation where everyone benefits.
Madlabane suggests that the DRC and other African nations could emulate ‘The Avengers’ in battery metals by collaborating to build factories, share knowledge on responsible mining and processing and establish common rules for ethical and sustainable practices.
Crucially, inclusivity and equitable development must underpin every facet of this journey. “The DRC can make sure everyone benefits from this battery boom. It’s like sharing the superpowers! Bringing small-scale miners into the formal system can improve working conditions and their share of the profits.
“Investing in education, healthcare and infrastructure in mining communities ensures everyone prospers. And lastly, being transparent about how money is managed builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page,” adds Madlabane.
DBM serves as the catalyst for this transformative journey, uniting stakeholders in a shared vision of progress and prosperity for all.
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