By Amanada Mavhaza
THE Center for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has urged African governments and multinational mining companies to prioritise responsible and sustainable mineral development that contributes to quality education for all.
In a statement, the CNRG said it aligns with the African Union’s 2024 theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st century building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa.”
“It is high time that Africa benefits from the avalanche of its natural resources,” the CNRG stated.
Extractive Industries and the ‘Resource Curse’
The CNRG acknowledged the critical role mining plays in Africa’s development agenda, but raised concerns about the continuation of the ‘resource curse’ on the continent.
“Africa is rich in valuable natural resources that should be leveraged to drive economic growth and integration and improve the lives of all Africans.”
However, the group highlighted numerous examples of extractive projects that harm local communities and the environment, with insignificant benefits accruing to the public.
Opaque Pricing and Unfair Practices
The CNRG expressed deep concern over the opaque and often unfair pricing of minerals, particularly diamonds, which is heavily skewed in favour of buyers.
“International regulatory bodies like the Kimberley Process have only served to regulate diamond trade while turning a blind eye to diamond pricing, which is heavily skewed in favour of buyers,” the statement read.
The group emphasised the worrying depletion of the continent’s non-renewable assets, leaving current and future generations with little to show for these resources whose extraction brings so much pain.
Transparency and Equitable Distribution
The CNRG urged governments and mining giants to create transparent and equitable systems for the exploitation of minerals. Governments and mining giants should ensure that they distribute the benefits fairly among local communities and contribute to sustainable development goals, such as quality education.
“We are cognizant of the critical role that mining plays in Africa’s development agenda, but we must ensure that it is done responsibly and sustainably,” the CNRG emphasised.
A Continent’s Wealth for Its People
As Africa continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the extractive industries, calls for transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of mineral wealth have grown louder.
Initiatives like those proposed by the CNRG aim to ensure that the continent’s natural resources are leveraged for the betterment of all Africans, promoting sustainable development, quality education, and inclusive growth.
