Amid a global energy transition and a subsequent increase in demand for critical minerals and metals from Africa, various considerations should be noted and acted upon to ensure that Africa can successfully manage this opportunity, and be rewarded accordingly, says International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) CEO Rohitesh Dhawan.

Dhawan tells Mining Weekly that, while the volume of metals and minerals needed for the energy transition presents a “golden opportunity for Africa”, three conditions must be put in place to capitalise on the benefits such opportunities promise.

The first condition involves a step change in health and safety for miners operating in Africa, which he says is necessary because Africa accounted for 63% of all fatalities reported by ICMM members in 2021.

Dhawan cites the collapse in 2022 of a tailings dam in Jagersfontein, in the Free State province of South Africa, as a reminder of the need for responsible tailings management in Africa and the adequate adoption of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.

Secondly, while the African mining industry has introduced various programmes for the development of infrastructure, education and local business development, consistent disclosure of its contribution has been lacking.

He says greater transparency on mining’s contribution to social and economic development is, therefore, crucial.

As a result, the ICMM released its Social and Economic Reporting framework, which all ICMM companies will be expected to implement from 2024.

“I hope to see all companies in Africa follow this consistent method of reporting. This will compel governments and mining companies to be accountable to society.”

The third condition, stronger governance, is necessary to ensure that the right factors are in place to help African mining industries thrive, adds Dhawan.

He argues that the African mining industry must work to support government efforts by disclosing contracts won, supply chain due diligence and economic contribution through payment of mining taxes and royalties.

In this vein, ICMM members have committed to disclosing all mineral development contracts entered into or amended since January 2021 and, as of 2025, ICMM members will disclose tax payments on a country-by-country basis.

To aid sustainable mining practices, the ICMM Mining Principles outline standards for responsible mining.

The principles comprise 39 performance expectations and eight related position statements that define good-practice environmental, social and corporate governance requirements for members.

“I strongly encourage all miners, irrespective of size or location, to embrace the Mining Principles or other strong standards of responsible mining, including the Towards Sustainable Mining Programme from the Mining Association of Canada, the Copper Mark and the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles.

Dhawan will represent the ICMM as a keynote speaker at this year’s inaugural London Indaba – to be held in London, in the UK from June 26 to 27.