The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has called for a mutually beneficial partnership between African countries and their European counterparts in the mining sector. Speaking at the 2024 Mining On Top Africa Conference in Paris, France, the Lands Minister emphasized the need for a relationship that guarantees mutual benefit for both parties.
Jinapor noted that historical inequalities have existed between mineral-producing African countries and developed countries, and that a new partnership anchored on equitable distribution of benefits is necessary to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Minister explained that mineral-producing countries are transitioning from the outdated practice of ‘dug and ship’ to a new method anchored on value addition and local participation. He emphasized the importance of partnerships that generate benefits equitably distributed among all stakeholders, including countries and communities that host these minerals.
Jinapor highlighted the need for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in mining practices, ensuring that the framework for mineral exploitation favors equitable distribution of benefits and promotes value addition to minerals.
Ghana, under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, has adopted a Green Minerals Policy aimed at promoting value addition and beneficiation across the value chain of green minerals, contributing substantially to the green energy transition.
The Minister emphasized the importance of fairness and inclusivity in rewarding African countries that have committed to facilitating the platform for spurring Green Mineral Resources. He implored countries to live up to the tenets of the Paris Agreement and commit resources to fighting climate change.
Jinapor stressed that the transition to green energy must be fair, just, inclusive, and benefit both consumers and producers of minerals. He emphasized the need for balance and equity for sustainability and inclusive development.
The Mining On Top Africa Conference brings together Ministers from various African countries and industry stakeholders to foster partnerships between European and African nations for sustainable exploration and development of mineral resources. Benjamin Gallezot, an expert from the Department of Critical Metals in France, emphasized the pressing need for sustainability and value addition in mineral exploration.
He expressed hope that the partnership between African countries and Europe will enable Africa to add significant value to its mineral resources and prioritize energy transition. The collaboration aims to harness mineral resources to drive sustainable development and mitigate climate change, aligning with the Paris Agreement.
