Source: The post African nations challenge China’s long dominance in mining sector has been created, based on the article “Africa is challenging China’s mining hegemony” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2025. African nations challenge China’s long dominance in mining sector.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Context: China’s long-standing dominance in Africa’s mining sector is facing growing resistance. Increased government scrutiny, civil society activism, and demands for value-added development are challenging the old extraction-focused model. African nations are now asserting sovereignty, renegotiating contracts, and enforcing policies to ensure fairer benefits from their mineral wealth.
For detailed information on Partnerships with Africa can help secure India’s Critical Mineral Mission read this article here
Shifting Dynamics in Africa–China Mining Relations
- Growing Demand for Fair Partnerships: African governments and civil society groups are pushing for equitable deals. The earlier exchange of raw resources for infrastructure is seen as inadequate. Nations now seek accountability, transparency, and economic sovereignty.
- Critical Mineral Wealth and Control: The DRC holds 80% of the world’s cobalt reserves, vital for rechargeable batteries. China controls most of this output through deals like Sicomines. However, the Congolese people have received limited benefits compared to the resources extracted.
Rising Challenges to Chinese Investments
- Economic Discontent and Contract Reviews: Tax exemptions to Chinese companies cost the DRC about $132 million in 2024. This loss has sparked public anger and calls to review the Sicomines deal. Market-linked payments risk reducing infrastructure gains during commodity downturns.
- Government Action and Canceled Deals: The DRC is renegotiating Chinese contracts, aiming to increase its stake in joint ventures from 32% to 70%. Opposition from state miner Gecamines halted the sale of Chemaf Resources to China’s Norin Mining.
- Corruption and Unfulfilled Promises: Namibia’s Xinfeng Investments faces bribery allegations over a lithium mine acquisition. Despite large exports of raw ore to China, promised processing facilities remain unbuilt, and workers report unsafe conditions.
Environmental and Social Backlash
- Regulatory Pushback on Mining Projects: In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, coal mining applications by a Chinese firm were blocked for environmental reasons. Zambia faced a major acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine contaminating the Kafue River.
- Local Resistance to Large-Scale Projects: In Cameroon, NGOs oppose the Lobé-Kribi Iron Ore Project over environmental, health, and cultural risks. Communities criticize inadequate consultation and lack of benefit-sharing.
Policy Shifts Toward Value Addition
- Export Bans to Encourage Processing: Zimbabwe banned unprocessed lithium exports in 2022, followed by Namibia in 2023. These measures aim to compel investors to establish local processing plants and retain more value domestically.
- Need for Broader Economic Strategies: Export bans alone are insufficient. Without local capacity building and inclusive policies, resource exploitation could persist in new forms, benefiting elites rather than communities.
Emerging Future of Africa–China Mining Relations
- Declining Certainty of Chinese Dominance: While China remains Africa’s largest mining partner, its dominance is no longer assured. African nations are challenging opaque contracts, enforcing environmental protections, and demanding local value addition.
- Path to Economic Transformation: If these trends continue, African countries could shift from raw material exporters to integral players in the global green economy, reshaping the mineral supply chain and reducing dependency on China.
Question for practice:
Examine the factors driving Africa’s pushback against China’s mining dominance.
