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The race to get an edge over Africa’s strategic minerals is peaking along the copper belt stretching from Zambia to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Zambia and the DRC boast vast reserves of copper and cobalt, vital components for powering the world’s electric batteries, and the takers are clamouring to have an upper hand on sourcing these precious minerals.
The race to get an edge over Africa’s strategic minerals is peaking along the copper belt stretching from Zambia to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Zambia and the DRC boast vast reserves of copper and cobalt, vital components for powering the world’s electric batteries, and the takers are clamouring to have an upper hand on sourcing these precious minerals.
China is strategically positioning itself, focusing on the East African coastline as an outlet for these minerals. Back in the 1970s, Beijing laid down a railway line connecting Zambia to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, a route now in need of refurbishment. This project took center stage during the visit of the Zambian president to China last September. The Chinese government has entrusted a state-owned company with the task of negotiating a new concession for the railway line. The primary objective is to transport minerals to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, a venture that pits China against another formidable player: the United States, which is intent on exerting its influence in the region.
Americans and Europeans are working diligently to initiate the “Lobito Corridor.” The goal is to connect mineral-rich regions to the port of Angola. The United States is determined to move swiftly and is not concealing its intentions. Washington is steadfast in its mission to challenge China’s dominance in the region.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/zambias-copper-mine-kcm-to-give-compensation-to-affected-villagers/
https://trendsnafrica.com/canadian-trigon-ships-first-copper-concentrate-from-namibias-kombat-mine/
The competition for access to these strategic minerals in the Copper Belt exemplifies the intricate geopolitical maneuvering and economic interests at play in Africa. As the world’s appetite for electric vehicles and renewable energy sources grows, the significance of securing a foothold in this resource-rich region becomes increasingly apparent. In this high-stakes race, the future of global mineral supply chains and the balance of power in the global economy hang in the balance.
