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While there is a growing demand for African minerals in the Western world, some analysts argue that African countries should not simply react to external demands. Instead, they should focus on developing their own renewable energy sectors and utilize the interest from Western countries to enhance their mining capabilities. By doing so, African nations can chart a better course for their own sustainable development. 10. Niger bans uranium exports. Over the past decade, France has imported a total of 88,000 metric tons of natural uranium, with the majority coming from three countries: Kazakhstan (27%), Niger (20%), and Uzbekistan (19%). While Niger plays a significant role in France's uranium supplies, some politicians tend to overestimate its global importance. However, Niger's position as a primary producer has diminished over the years due to high production costs and declining prices until 2016. By 2022, Niger accounted for only 4% of global uranium production. In comparison, Kazakhstan led with 43%, followed by Canada (15%), Namibia (11%), and Australia (8%). Despite having the highest-grade uranium ores in Africa, Niger's output in 2022 was 2,200 metric tons, representing just 5% of global mining output, according to the World Nuclear Association. This was a decrease from 2,991 tons in 2020. The three largest uranium producers globally are Kazakhstan, Canada, and Namibia. In Niger, there is one major mining operation in the north, operated by France's state-owned Orano. Another significant mine closed in 2021, and one is currently under development. Two notable uranium mines in Niger are the Arlit mining site, consisting of several open-pit mining sites near the city of Arlit in the northwest, operated by the joint venture Samira (a partnership between Orano and Niger's state-owned SOPAMIN), and the Cuda mining site, an underground mine near Akokan in the southwest. The Arlit mine produced 75,000 metric tons of uranium from 1978 until its closure in March 2021, after depleting its ore reserves. 9. Ghana imposes ban on export of unprocessed gold. On July 27th, 2023, Ghana's cabinet made a significant decision to ban the export of unprocessed minerals, specifically lithium. This move aligns with the trend observed in several other African nations, as they share a strategy to maximize the benefits from their natural resources. Ghana's new policy, expected to become law by the end of the year, aims to retain a significant portion of the value chain before exporting products. The Minister of Land and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, emphasizes that this decision by African countries, including Ghana, is not a coincidence. These nations are rich in minerals like lithium, which is a crucial component of batteries. The shift towards green technology and the increasing focus on electric vehicles by major automakers in the developed world has prompted African governments to realign their export strategies. By retaining more value within their borders and processing minerals before export, African countries like Ghana aim to benefit from the growing demand for green technologies and electric vehicles. This strategic move allows them to maximize the returns from their natural resources while contributing to the global shift towards sustainable practices.
