Foreign-controlled mining threatens Africa’s prosperity, says US Institute

The United States Institute for Peace (USIP) says foreign-controlled illegal mineral mining is a major threat to Africa’s prosperity.

Chris Kwaja, the country director of the institute, spoke in Abuja on Friday.

Kwaja addressed journalists on the sidelines of the early career scholars conference with the theme “USIP Africa-China project—Early career scholars project”.

The conference was organised for participants to study China’s involvement in African affairs, concerning the economy, peace, security, and diplomacy.

Kwaja said foreign companies often use artisanal miners to extract critical minerals in Africa outside governmental regulatory policies.

“There is the fact that foreign companies are expanding their interest and influence in Africa as a counter to Western interests,” he said.

“While these companies are visible in the mining sector, the environmental and health impact of their activities has not been properly documented.

“This is a responsibility that policy and academic actors should take seriously.

“As these companies get involved in the extraction of critical minerals, they do so with little or no regard for rules and regulations as they exist in the African economies.”

According to Kwaja, abuse and non-adherence to environmental protection rules have defined foreign involvement in Africa’s mineral sector.

The USIP country director said this should be concerning to African leaders and called for regulation, effective monitoring, and stringent laws to guide mining activities and protect host communities.