constraints, lack of key infrastructure such as electricity, roads, rail, and water, and more recently, safety and security events, with a well – known example being the incursions into Northern Mozambique (Cabo Delgado). There are however some African countries that have optimised the benefits from their mineral resources such as Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Tanzania. The key driving factor of the current success of the Mining and Natural Resources Industries in these countries is strong political will with clear guidance on the application of the mining laws in these countries. Investors into these countries are able to make informed choices with a clear understanding of what is required. Demand for minerals from Africa has been inconsistent, and the demand has been impacted by global events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in the Middle East, and other regional geopolitical conflicts. At the same time, the Africa Mining and Natural Resources Industry has been impacted by the after-effects of supply chain disruption following the COVID lockdowns and restrictions and the cyclical demand from key economies such as China. The African Mining and Natural Resources Industry is therefore affected by both Africa-specific constraints, and global constraints and challenges. Recent statistics issued by the South African government (published in August for June 2024) indicate that production in South Africa’s mining industry was down in June, but the volume and value of sales, increased. The dip in production is likely to affect the industry negatively, in the fourth quarter, and the increased value of sales, is as a result of the current minerals pricing, which is anticipated to continue for the remainder of the year, placing the South African mining industry and that of other African countries, in a good position, in a short to medium term. African countries that have large reserves of the so-called “battery minerals” and other minerals related to renewable energy have an incredible opportunity to benefit from demand, but the right incentives must be put in place to encourage rapid investment and development of the mines and the related infrastructure. 10 LAWYER MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2024 Demand for minerals from Africa has been inconsistent, and the demand has been impacted by global events such as the RussieUkraine war, the situation in the Middle East, and other regional geopolitical conflicts.
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