Bridging continents: the Africa-Europe partnership for Critical Raw Materials
The Pardon My Planet podcast presents a special series, "Bridging Continents: The Africa-Europe partnership for Critical Raw Materials", which explores the collaboration between Africa and Europe in building sustainable and equitable mining practices. Discover how geopolitics, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, and financing opportunities are vital to secure critical raw materials sustainably. The AfricalMaVal project, funded by the European Union and gathering 18 partners from 11 countries, plays a pivotal role in building strong partnerships that benefit both continents.
Through insightful conversations with experts of the AfricaMaVal project, the series provides a comprehensive look at how these collaborations shape the future of mining, focusing on fair practices and mutual benefits.
Introduction to the AfricaMaVal project
Guest: Jean-Claude Guillaneau, coordinator of AfricaMaVal and in charge of international institutional partnerships at BRGM, the French geological survey.
This episode kicks off the series with an in-depth introduction to critical raw materials (CRM), their indispensable role in global industries, and the growing challenges of securing them sustainably. Jean-Claude Guillaneau sheds light on the AfricaMaVal project, detailing its ambitious mission to build equitable EU-Africa partnerships, promote responsible resource management, and address the pressing need for a fair and resilient supply chain.
Geopolitics of critical minerals in Africa
Guest: Sam Whittlesey, sustainable innovation strategist at LGI
Discover the complex geopolitical landscape of critical raw materials, where Europe’s growing dependency fuels global competition and intensifies strategic tensions. In this episode, Sam Whittlesey unpacks how these dynamics shape partnerships with Africa, addressing the delicate balance between resource access, fair collaboration, and the need to overcome historical legacies for a more equitable future.
ESG conditions and women in mining in Africa
Guest: Zenzi Awases, representative of the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA)
A cornerstone of sustainable partnerships lies in upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in African mining, with a particular focus on the vital role of women in the industry. Zenzi Awases details the challenges they encounter, the initiatives designed to empower them, and how ESG standards are shaping a more responsible and equitable approach to resource management.
How to finance CRM projects in Africa
Guest: Andor Lips, senior advisor at HCF International Advisers
This episode takes an in-depth look at the financial aspect of sustainable mining, uncovering the challenges and opportunities in securing funding for projects that drive environmental and social responsibility. Andor Lips shares insights into the strategies used to identify responsible investment opportunities and the innovative financial mechanisms employed by AfricaMaVal to ensure selected projects not only align with sustainability goals but also create lasting economic and social value for both Europe and Africa.
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