Minerals in Africa must benefit all parties says expert

Key among the difficulties and risks of mining in Africa is managing the expectations of communities around mines, as well as the relationship with government  – especially the custodian agency custodian of mineral rights.

So says Roger Dixon, chairman and corporate consultant at SRK Consulting (SA), which has four decades of African experience.

“There is growing acknowledgement the world over that minerals must benefit all affected parties, and this has sadly not been the case in many African countries.

“The rise of resource nationalism is partly a response to this fact, and mining companies need to become proactive partners in ensuring and demonstrating more positive impacts from mining,” Dixon says.