Advertisement
China-US battle for African influence shifts to green critical minerals
- Tanzanian deal signals US determination to reduce dependence on China for essential resources for EV components and solar panels
- Washington is playing catch-up on the continent, with Chinese companies dominating processing and refining of the commodities
Reading Time:5 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
1
As the US and China wrestle for influence in Africa, their next big battle is taking shape – for control of the continent’s vast supply of the essential minerals used in electronics and batteries for electric vehicles.
Tanzania is building a critical minerals processing facility with US backing, as Washington courts resource-rich African nations to help break its dependence on China for the essential supplies.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris said work was already under way on what would be the first facility of its kind in Africa. She was speaking at a meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan as part of her week-long African tour that started in late March.
Advertisement
Harris said the plant, based at the Kabanga nickel project in northwestern Tanzania, would deliver battery-grade nickel to the United States and global markets by 2026. The Kabanga mine is said to hold 44 million tonnes of nickel, copper and cobalt.
“Importantly, raw minerals will soon be processed in Tanzania, by Tanzanians. It will help address the climate crisis, build resilient global supply chains, and create new industries and jobs,” she said.
The White House said the arrangement was struck through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), a US$600 billion package adopted by the Group of 7 nations last year at Washington’s urging, in a bid to counter China’s influence in developing countries.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x