China's Critical Mineral Supply Chains in Africa
Channel: United States Institute of Peace
Date: 2023-06-30

How China’s Critical Mineral Supply Chains Impact Peace and Security on the Continent

As global demand for critical rare earth elements rises, many countries have looked to Africa’s abundant stores of cobalt, lithium, copper and other minerals vital to the manufacturing of modern technologies. China is among the largest players on the continent with billions invested in the African mining and mineral extraction sectors. In 2019 alone, China imported nearly $10 billion worth of minerals from sub-Saharan Africa.

China's massive footprint in the African mining sector has solidified its position as a major force in the industry and as a primary destination for African mineral exports. However, China's involvement also raises concerns about the transparency of its operations, environmental sustainability, labor practices, and the long-term impact on African economies and local communities.

On June 29, USIP hosted a timely conversation about China’s role in Africa’s growing mining sector, how it connects with peace and security on the continent, and what it all means for the United States.

Learn more about this event, here: https://www.usip.org/events/chinas-critical-mineral-supply-chains-africa

Speakers:

Briana Boland
Research Associate for the Freeman Chair in China Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Eric Olander
Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder, China-Global South Project

Lauren Herzer Risi
Program Director, Environmental Change and Security Program, Wilson Center

Tom Sheehy, moderator
Distinguished Fellow, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=usinstituteofpeace

Connect with us!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/USIP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usinstituteofpeace/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usipeace/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-states-institute-of-peace
Newsletters: http://www.usip.org/sign-usip-updates
Podcasts: https://www.usip.org/podcasts 

The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP: https://www.usip.org/about