ZELA Session at the OCED Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains

Organised by:

• Global Witness
• Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS)
• The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA)

Chinese stakeholders and African partner institutions to discuss the ESG Challenge in Africa issues, and possible solutions for Chinese companies mining minerals in Africa.

Speakers:

• Yi Yimin, Global Witness
• Emmanuel Umpala Nkumba, African Resources Watch
• Tahiana Joëlle Ravelomananantsoa, Transparency International Madagascar
• Mutuso Dhliwayo, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association
• Yu Hongyuan, Director, Institute for Public Policy and Innovation Studies, Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS)
• Sun Lihui, Director, Responsible Critical Minerals Initiative (RCI)/ China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC)

Moderator: Emily Iona Stewart, Global Witness

Languages: English, French, Chinese

Concept:

The African continent is one of the richest regions in terms of mineral resources, with the mining industry serving as a vital economic pillar for many African countries. Africa possesses 30% of the world’s mineral resources and 20% of critical mineral resources, signifying its increasing importance in global energy and development transitions. According to the International Energy Agency, critical minerals in Africa will play a crucial role in the development of clean energy technologies.

China’s role as an investor, trading partner, aid and finance provider, particularly in Africa, continues to expand. China is the world’s largest consumer and importer of mineral products. The consumption of lithium, cobalt, rare earth and other mineral resources accounts for more than 40% of the world’s total. However, mining in African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Guinea , Zambia and Zimbabwe has a notoriously dirty past. Global Witness investigations have uncovered a range of significant negative impacts on local communities, due to the lack of or inadequate enforcement of social and environmental safeguards. These negative impacts will be exacerbated by the extraction of critical minerals.

The purpose of this session, hosted by Global Witness and the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) , is to call for “prioritizing the involvement of multiple stakeholders to improve the standards and governance of the mining industry. Through the participation of Chinese and African stakeholders, the aim is to listen to the voices of local communities and civil society organizations in Africa, explore enhanced dialogue and cooperation between China and Africa, and jointly build responsible mineral supply chains.