Mining Indaba 2026: “Spotlight on Strategic CRM Projects in Africa” session

Held during Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, the session “A Spotlight on Strategic CRM Projects in Africa” brought together representatives from the European Commission, industry, finance institutions and project developers to discuss a new generation of strategically important critical raw materials (CRM) projects across the African continent.

The event focused on five African projects that have been identified for their relevance to Europe’s industrial resilience, supply chain diversification and sustainability objectives. Featured projects included rare earths, graphite and cobalt developments in South Africa, Madagascar, Namibia, Malawi and Zambia.

Project developers presented current project status, upcoming milestones and investment requirements, while discussions explored how cooperation between African partners and the European Union can support the development of secure, sustainable and mutually beneficial raw materials value chains.

The session concluded with an open panel discussion involving the European Investment Bank, the European Commission and financial stakeholders, focusing on the key question of how strategic recognition can be translated into concrete implementation, financing and long-term industrial partnerships.