As Canada intensifies efforts to untap Africa’s critical mineral reserves - amounting to 30% of the world’s total – the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa Summit will highlight Canada's role in Africa's energy transition value chain.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting [email protected]

Over 98 Canadian mining, investment and service companies are active across Africa, strategically investing in critical mineral-rich countries to drive the global transition to clean energy technologies.

In Zambia - Africa’s second-largest and the world’s seventh-largest copper producer - Canadian companies have increased their asset value by over $622.1 million. First Quantum Minerals, in partnership with African Pioneer, discovered promising copper reserves in northwestern Zambia in April 2024. In 2023, the company launched a $1.25 billion campaign to increase copper production at the Kansanshi Mine by 25%, moving Zambia closer to its goal of producing 3 million tons of copper annually by 2031. In October 2022, Barrick Gold announced a $2 billion investment to expand the Lumwana Copper facility, increasing its output to 240,000 tons per year and extending the mine's life to 2060. At CMA, the Zambian Chamber of Mines will highlight lucrative prospects for global investors, including Canadian firms, within the country’s critical mineral industry.

In the DRC - the world’s third-largest copper producer - Canadian companies have expanded their investments by $488.6 million. Ivanhoe Mines achieved commercial production at its Phase 3 concentrator at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex - boosting annual copper output by 150,000 tons – in August 2024. In July 2024, the company restarted operations at the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper mine following 30 years of maintenance work at the facility. The company resumed operations at the Kamoa-Kakula zinc-copper mine in July 2024, aiming to produce 278,000 tons of zinc concentrate annually, positioning the DRC as a critical player in the global zinc market. During CMA, a Minerals Showcase panel session on copper will highlight Canada’s contribution to Africa’s copper market developments.

Canadian firms are also advancing rare earths projects across Africa. In Namibia, E-Tech Resources raised $600,000 in August 2024 to fund its Eureka Project, while Mkango Resources is developing the Songwe Hills project in Malawi, with operations set to begin in February 2025. Trends and projects presentations in the Showroom Area at CMA will connect African rare earth projects with global investors, including Canadian public and private investors.