Amid an increasing demand for critical minerals globally, the second edition of the African Critical Minerals Summit (ACMS) – in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Minerals Council South Africa – was launched on October 9.

The ACMS, to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from December 2 to 3, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss Africa’s critical mineral potential.

The summit will also include strategic panel discussions and networking opportunities.

The ACMS aims to serve as a platform that supports the transition to green energy by facilitating discussions to address the necessary changes relating to the sustainability of critical minerals in Africa.

“Today marks the beginning of a journey towards greater collaboration, innovation and progress in a sector that is increasingly critical to global supply chains, economic development and technological advancements,” said ACMS COO Tshegofatso Motsoenyane.

She reiterated that Africa was uniquely positioned to meet the critical mineral demand, given the continent’s mineral wealth, as well as its growing commitment to ensure sustainable and equitable growth within the sector.

Also speaking at the launch, Department of Science and Innovation (DTSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence in Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (Cimera) director Professor Nicola Wagner, noted that critical raw materials were required for a low-carbon economy, adding that there was significant demand for critical and strategic raw materials.

She added that a cadastral system was needed to ensure the sector stayed abreast of future demand, as well as to provide a detailed understanding of mineral wealth in Africa.

Wagner also discussed the importance of focussing on secondary sources in mining. Secondary sources referred to materials found in tailings or discard material.

Hence, she argued that Africa should consider setting up systems to extract critical raw materials from discarded products.

“We shouldn't be only focusing on primary sources. In fact, we should probably focus more on secondary sources, because the mining has already happened, so the carbon footprint is already embedded, and generally these secondary sources have environmental implications,” said Wagner.

Motsoenyane added that the ACMS aimed to encourage conversations that would lead to impactful actions for Africa and the world.

“I am confident that the discussions we will have here today and in the coming months will pave the way for new opportunities, partnerships and innovations in the critical minerals industry. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Africa's resources and build a more sustainable future for all,” she said.