Religious leaders, activists, and community representatives across Africa are urging changes to mining practices as the continent’s role in the global critical minerals supply chain expands. A consultation held in Botswana warned that rising demand for lithium, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals could intensify environmental damage, land displacement, and economic inequality if reforms are not carried out. The meeting brought together theologians, faith leaders, and local advocates to review social and environmental pressures linked to expanding extractive industries.
The gathering was organized by the Council for World Mission and the World Council of Churches. Participants said that despite Africa holding some of the world’s most valuable mineral reserves, many communities continue to experience pollution, land loss, poverty, and limited economic participation. They also pointed to the gap between wealth generated by mining operations and outcomes for local residents.
Critical minerals demand and investment focus across Africa
Africa’s strategic importance has increased as governments and corporations seek supplies of minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, battery storage, and other advanced technologies. Countries cited as holding major deposits include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. The minerals highlighted as central to the transition include cobalt, lithium, copper, and nickel.
Church representatives said that benefits from this mineral boom are often unevenly distributed. They referenced a concluding declaration from the Botswana consultation stating that many mining communities remain marginalized while facing environmental and social consequences tied to extraction projects. Participants also noted displacement from ancestral lands and exposure to polluted water sources alongside limited economic gains from projects in affected regions.
Customary land rights and environmental oversight priorities
A central issue raised in Botswana was pressure on customary land rights as large-scale mining projects expand across Africa. Faith leaders emphasized that land is described as having significance beyond economic value for many communities, including cultural identity, ancestral heritage, spiritual connection, and long-term survival. They argued that mining should not proceed without free, prior, and informed consent of affected communities.
The consultation also called for stronger environmental oversight by governments and mining companies. It urged improved transparency and stronger protections against environmental degradation linked to extractive operations. Delegates cited concerns including deforestation, contaminated waterways, toxic waste management problems, and ecosystem destruction associated with industrial mining activities.
Cobalt production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under scrutiny
The Botswana discussions were linked to broader debates within Africa’s mining sector. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo—described as dominating global cobalt production—human rights organizations have documented dangerous working conditions and child labor connected to artisanal mining. Reports mentioned by participants indicate that thousands of children continue working in hazardous mining environments in southern Congo.
Cobalt produced in the region is described as being used in lithium-ion batteries powering smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems. Critics cited during the consultation argued that sourcing materials through exploitative labor practices and environmental harm creates a contradiction with claims associated with a clean energy transition.
Copper in Zambia and lithium expansion in Zimbabwe
Mining expansion outside the Congo was also addressed through concerns about environmental responsibility and resource ownership. In Zambia, copper mining was described as one of the country’s most important economic sectors while public concerns grow regarding water pollution and mine waste management. Delegates also pointed to environmental impacts from large-scale extraction projects.
Zimbabwe’s lithium industry was described as expanding rapidly and drawing international investor attention for battery minerals. Civil society groups were said to be questioning whether ordinary citizens will receive meaningful long-term benefits as Zimbabwe’s role grows within the global battery supply chain. The consultation also referenced policies introduced by several African governments aimed at encouraging domestic mineral processing rather than exporting raw materials alone.
Officials cited said local refining and industrial development could create jobs, strengthen economies, and increase state revenues. Activists attending or referenced in the discussion warned that without stronger governance, mining wealth may continue flowing mainly to foreign corporations and political elites instead of local populations.
Role of faith institutions in transparency and accountability
Church leaders attending the Botswana consultation said religious institutions should take a stronger role in advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and transparency within mining. Rev. Daimon Mkandawire of the Council for World Mission was cited describing mining debates as extending beyond economics and politics into ethical questions tied to how land is treated by extractive industries.
Participants said many extractive industries treat land primarily as a commercial asset while African communities often view it differently based on identity, history, collective responsibility, and other ties described during the meeting. They emphasized that faith organizations can help amplify voices of communities affected by mining while encouraging governments and corporations to adopt more socially responsible policies.
The consultation also encouraged cooperation between churches, Indigenous groups, local activists, and civil society organizations to build advocacy networks focused on sustainable and equitable development.
International competition for strategic minerals
The Botswana consultation took place amid accelerating global competition for critical minerals. Major economic powers including the United States, China, and the European Union were described as seeking secure access to raw materials used for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, semiconductor technologies, and defense systems.
A report from the International Energy Agency was cited warning that demand for strategic minerals could rise significantly over coming decades as countries pursue decarbonization and industrial electrification. Participants said this growing demand has increased Africa’s geopolitical importance while reviving fears about extraction patterns prioritizing foreign interests over local development outcomes.
Requests for fairer revenue sharing and legal protections
Church leaders involved in the Botswana meeting did not reject mining altogether; they called for a more balanced approach centered on human dignity, environmental stewardship, and long-term community welfare. The consultation called for fairer revenue sharing along with stronger legal protections for displaced residents. It also sought improved accountability from both governments and mining corporations.
Participants stressed ensuring that Africa’s natural wealth contributes to sustainable development rather than deepening inequality as global demand grows around critical minerals tied to the energy transition. They framed key concerns around who profits from mineral wealth versus who bears environmental and social costs associated with extraction activities.
