Is this the copper century? China moves to shore up supplies from Africa

Lithium and cobalt may have dominated the rush for critical minerals for EV batteries, solar and defence systems, but now copper is emerging as a key element in the green energy transition.

Recognising this, China is strategically positioning itself to secure copper supplies, especially from Africa, investing heavily in mining and processing facilities.

While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia have long been China’s top destinations, Botswana is now also becoming a significant focus for Chinese investment.

“Without copper, there will be no energy transition,” said Michael Finch, head of copper at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

This positioning coincides with Beijing facing heightened Western competition and restrictions, including, notably, from Canada’s 2022 policy curbing Chinese acquisition of critical mineral assets.

Despite Western restrictions, Chinese companies are aggressively investing in Africa’s copper sector. Last year, JCHX Mining acquired an 80 per cent stake in Zambia’s Lubambe Copper Mine for just US$2 and plans to invest US$300 million to revive and extend the life of the mine and invest an additional US$500 million for new deep ore shafts, calling it “strategically pivotal”.

  

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