China’s Exploitation of Rare Minerals in Africa Triggers Resistance

African governments are increasingly concerned about the alleged abuses by Chinese mineral extraction companies and are taking action. The Epoch Times reported that Chinese mining companies have colluded with organized crime groups, terrorists, and corrupt government officials to operate illegal mines in Africa and steal valuable minerals and metals. There is evidence that Chinese mining firms have funded Islamic militants to disrupt legal mining activities in several African nations. China has become Africa’s largest trading partner and investments by Chinese companies in Africa’s mining and mineral extraction industries have been considered a positive development. However, African governments are now pushing back against alleged abuse by these Chinese companies.

Chinese mining companies are crucial for China’s metals industry, as they rely on the import of minerals. Africa has a substantial amount of the entire global mineral supply and Chinese companies turn to Africa for resources, which include over 90 percent of the global supply of platinum and cobalt, 50 percent of the world’s gold, and two-thirds of the manganese. However, Foreign policy analysts view the Belt and Road Initiative by China as an attempt to gain political and economic leverage over developing countries.

Notably, Nigerian authorities have arrested Chinese mining companies and citizens for illegal mining activities, and in the Republic of Congo, Chinese companies have been banned for such activities. Zimbabwe, Namibia, and other African countries have also taken measures against Chinese mining companies.

The emergence of the United States’ new strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa, designed to counter China’s influence in the region and the US forging more trade deals with African nations, is a significant development. But, African economists have also urged African countries to be cautious in dealing with the US and China to prevent exploitation by foreign powers and ensure their own interests are protected.



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