Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The dominance of mining in Africa has made the industry's development a critical target under the African Union’s (AU’s) Agenda 2063, AU Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 2014 Mining Lekgotla, in Midrand, she pointed out that, despite the continent’s vast resources, 34 countries remained 'least developed', while 70% of Africa’s population living in countries with established extractive industries did not benefit from mining activities.
The continent was exporting minerals and jobs as it depleted its resources, she asserted.
Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi added that, while the mining industry across the continent continued to build economies, there was concern that the benefits were felt more abroad than locally.
This made local beneficiation and the involvement of local communities increasingly important in the industrialisation of Africa.
The continent needed to reverse this trend and take charge of its influence over its minerals, particularly in terms of pricing and beneficiation to stimulate the industry and create jobs.
Mining, as an industry, should be a sector that catalysed growth, with established upstream and downstream industries, she said.
“We must plan ahead and pay attention to meeting demand as producers and not only as consumers,” Dlamini-Zuma noted.