Clean or Compromised? The Dirty Dilemma of Refining Africa’s Critical Minerals
Africa is home to more than 30% of the world’s critical minerals; cobalt, lithium, manganese, graphite, all essential for the global energy transition. But while the world’s richest economies are racing to secure these resources for clean technologies, another challenge is brewing: how will Africa refine these minerals without relying on the very fossil fuels it's being urged to phase out?
The idea of refining minerals locally is often framed as a win-win. It adds value, creates jobs, and reduces export dependency. But in reality, Africa’s fragile energy systems and overreliance on fossil fuels make this vision far more complicated. And that’s where the dilemma lies: to industrialise, we may need to pollute, at least in the short term.
Why Local Refining Is No Longer Optional
For decades, Africa has exported raw minerals only to import refined products, often at inflated prices. This model benefits foreign industries while leaving African economies with environmental scars and little wealth to show for it.
Refining critical minerals within Africa offers the potential for industrial growth and job creation. Countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are now rolling out national strategies to keep more of the value chain within their borders.
The African Union’s Critical Minerals Strategy calls for local beneficiation, stronger regional cooperation, and equitable partnerships. It’s an urgent push to avoid another “resource curse” cycle.
But turning ore into finished products isn’t just about having the minerals, it demands serious energy.
The Energy Catch: Clean Goals, Dirty Reality
Mineral refining is energy intensive. It requires high temperatures, chemical processes, and round-the-clock electricity. In most of Africa, this energy comes from fossil fuels, diesel generators, coal power stations, or gas turbines. That’s where the contradiction emerges.
A Breakthrough Institute report notes that Africa will struggle to meet industrial processing demands with current renewable infrastructure. That leaves governments with two bad options: either delay industrialisation or rely on dirty fuels to power their “green” mineral ambitions.
South Africa, for example, has some of the world’s most advanced mineral processing capacity, but it still depends heavily on coal-fired power. Zambia and DRC face regular blackouts, and must choose between powering hospitals or smelters.
If this trend continues, Africa could become a paradox: the world’s clean energy supplier that burns fossil fuels to stay in business.
Why This Should Worry Everyone
Allowing mineral refining to proceed without a clean energy backbone not only threatens Africa’s climate goals, it risks legitimising environmental injustice.
Communities near processing plants often bear the brunt of pollution, toxic waste, and deforestation. Without strict regulations and environmental safeguards, mineral refining could repeat the extractive damage of the oil and gas era.
Local civil society groups, like Justiça Ambiental in Mozambique and South Africa’s Centre for Environmental Rights, have warned that many refining projects are being approved without adequate consultation or impact assessments. In places like Madagascar and Tanzania, water sources have already been contaminated by mining and processing waste.
If refining is pursued recklessly, it will deepen mistrust and push communities to resist even well-intended green projects.
Can Clean Refining Be Possible?
Yes, but only with intentional investments and policy changes.
Some African countries are exploring alternatives. In Rwanda, a new tin and tantalum refining plant powered partly by hydroelectricity is being positioned as a clean model. In Namibia, government policy encourages solar-powered processing zones. Kenya’s Energy Act supports renewable microgrids that could eventually supply industrial zones.
But these are still rare. Africa needs a continent-wide roadmap for clean-powered industrialisation. That means:
- Scaling up renewable energy production
- Developing regional electricity grids and battery storage
- Offering incentives for clean refining investments
- Requiring environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance for all projects
The Role of International Partners
Africa cannot do it alone. Most of the minerals it holds are demanded by foreign markets, especially the EU, US, and China. These actors must not only buy raw materials, but also support Africa to process them responsibly.
The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and the US Inflation Reduction Act are starting points. But without mechanisms for technology transfer, concessional finance, and fair trade, they risk pushing African governments into one-sided partnerships.
Instead of just competing for raw materials, these partners should co-invest in clean energy infrastructure that powers Africa’s refining future.
What Civil Society Can Do
African civil society must stay vocal. Local organisations can:
- Demand environmental safeguards and community benefits in refining projects
- Advocate for clean energy financing tied to beneficiation zones
- Monitor emissions and pollution levels
- Push for national legislation that aligns refining with just transition principles
Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), and African Climate Foundation are already advancing research and advocacy in this space.
But more needs to be done to connect energy justice, industrial policy, and environmental integrity.
Conclusion: Clean Minerals Require Clean Methods
Africa is on the cusp of a mineral renaissance. But this opportunity must not become another shortcut to disaster.
Refining is no longer optional, it’s essential. But if it comes at the cost of air, water, and climate, then the transition will be clean in name only.
A true just transition requires balance: energy for development, minerals for the world, and dignity for the people. That’s the only path where Africa wins.
🔗 Related: From Raw Deals to Real Power: South Africa’s New Mineral Strategy
