UAE joins the race for Africa’s critical minerals
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UAE joins the race for Africa’s critical minerals
The UAE is actively expanding its involvement in Africa’s mining sector.
By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and editor of the WhyAfrica magazine
As the UAE expands its renewable energy, infrastructure and space programmes, the country is investing more in Africa to ensure a steady flow of critical minerals needed to drive development.
Yesterday, UAE based company International Resources Holdings (IRH) acquired Tremont Master Holding’s 56% stake in Alphamin Resources.
Alphamin operates the Bisie tin mine in North Kivu in the east of the DRC, one of the highest-grade tin producers in the world. Tremont is a subsidiary of US-based Denham Capital.
IRH is a mining investment firm involved in metal trading and also holds a majority interest in a Zambian copper mining complex.
Securing high-quality mining assets in Africa
According to IRH’s CEO, Ali Alrashdi, Alphamin’s strong production profile aligns with the company’s strategy of securing interests in high-quality mining assets with long-term growth potential.
According to the International Tin Association (ITA) the deal took place on the back of major corporate activity in the tin supply space and increased US interest in the region’s critical mineral space.
“The deal spotlights the UAE as a major player, alongside the US and China, vying for greater control of tin supply,” says the ITA in a release yesterday.
Tin’s critical role in energy and space
Tin plays a key role in renewable energy, infrastructure and space programmes. Tin has outstanding soldering and anti-corrosion properties, which are critical for reliable electronic connections and protecting components in harsh environments, whether on Earth or in space.
Tin has also become increasingly important in the development of new battery technology and the manufacturing of AI chips.
The UAE in Africa
In 2023 the UAE company Primera signed a USD1-9-billion deal with DRC’s state-owned company Sakima to develop and mine tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold in South Kivu and Maniema.
UAE firms have also significantly expanded its interest in South Africa, Ethiopia and Mali.
Apart from its energy and infrastructure programmes, the UAE is investing dizzying amounts in its space program, positioning itself as a leading player in global space exploration.
Later this year the UAE will launch its MBZ-SAT high-resolution satellite, which will provide advanced satellite imagery for commercial applications worldwide.
The country is also developing the MBR Explorer which will explore seven asteroids in the asteroid belt. They plan to launch the MBR Explorer in March 2028.
To further advance the development of the world’s best space and energy technology, the UAE will need reliable access to tin and a whole range of critical minerals found in Africa.
Image credit: Wolfgang Hasselmann from Unsplash
UAE joins the race for Africa’s critical minerals