Gwede Mantashe Claps Back at Donald Trump
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has sharply criticized the United States for its attempt to use financial leverage in response to South Africa’s land expropriation policy, warning the global community that Africa must take control of its vast mineral resources. Speaking at the 31st Investing in African Mining Conference (Mining Indaba) in Cape Town on Monday, Mantashe urged the continent to reject external pressures and dictate the terms of its own mineral wealth, in stark opposition to the developed nations that often shape global mining policies to suit their interests.
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The current geopolitical climate, driven by the growing demand for critical minerals essential to the energy transition, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, has sparked a global race to secure mining resources. Africa, with its rich reserves of these minerals, finds itself at the center of this scramble. However, despite its abundant resources, the continent remains impoverished, and Mantashe insists that it is time for African nations to reclaim their power in the global mining industry.
Pushing Back Against Western Dominance
Mantashe’s remarks come in the wake of a threatening statement from US President Donald Trump, who voiced concerns over South Africa’s Expropriation Act and suggested that it could lead to a suspension of US funding to the country. Mantashe addressed this challenge head-on, rejecting the notion that Africa should cower in fear of Western powers.
“We are not just beggars,” Mantashe declared. “Let us withhold minerals to the US. If they don’t give us money, let’s not give them minerals.” Mantashe emphasized that Africa should no longer be intimidated or manipulated by the threats of developed nations. Instead, he called for the continent to leverage its natural wealth for its own benefit and resist being reduced to mere suppliers of raw materials without the benefits of local beneficiation and industrialization.
Resisting a Race to the Bottom
One of Mantashe’s most significant points was the need for African nations to break free from the cycle of exporting raw minerals without adding value. He highlighted South Africa’s manganese reserves, which account for 37% of the world’s total, but noted that only 2% of this resource is processed domestically. This trend results in Africa exporting jobs and profits, while the true value of these minerals is realized in developed countries.
The minister called for more local beneficiation and the development of Africa’s own industrial sector. “We cannot continue to debate these minerals based on the dictates of some developed nations as if we have no aspirations to accelerate Africa’s industrialization and close the development deficit,” Mantashe said. He pointed to the growing demand for critical minerals as an opportunity for Africa to push back and reshape the global narrative on mining.
The Geopolitical Implications of Africa’s Mineral Wealth
Gwede Mantashe’s call for African empowerment also comes at a time when the US is prioritizing securing supply chains for minerals vital to the energy transition. The country has increasingly looked to Africa as a key source of these minerals, with the US government pushing for stable and reliable access to materials such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earths. However, Mantashe reminded the international community that while Africa is rich in resources, it has remained poor, and that dynamic needs to change.
Africa must accept its competitive advantage and harness the growing global demand for these critical minerals. Mantashe also acknowledged that geopolitics can create uncertainty, particularly with issues like the Expropriation Act and the threat of US funding cuts. Despite these challenges, he insisted that African nations should not be paralyzed by fear of Western backlash.
South Africa’s Role in the G20 and Mining Future
Gwede Mantashe pointed out that South Africa, as the current leader of the G20, is well-positioned to lead a new era of African mining. South Africa remains a global leader in mining, producing the world’s largest supply of platinum group metals and significant quantities of coal. The country’s mining sector is also a major source of employment, contributing greatly to the national economy.
Despite ongoing challenges, particularly with energy security, South Africa is making strides to ensure that the mining sector continues to thrive. Mantashe acknowledged the ongoing energy challenges but assured that progress was being made, including the development of a new mining licensing system to address application backlogs and improve efficiency.
Looking Ahead
As South Africa and other African nations continue to navigate their role in the global mining industry, it is clear that the continent’s vast mineral resources hold the key to shaping its economic future. Mantashe’s bold stance calls for Africa to not only demand a fair share of the benefits from its mineral wealth but also to use that wealth to drive industrialization and economic growth on its own terms.
By resisting external pressures and pushing for local beneficiation, Africa can create a sustainable mining sector that benefits its people, empowers its industries, and reshapes the global economic order. As Gwede Mantashe aptly put it, “If they don’t give us money, let us not give them minerals.” Africa is no longer just a supplier; it is time for the continent to take control of its destiny.
