17 Jul 2025

Online

A must or a barrier to developing critical minerals projects across Sub-Saharan Africa?

As global demand for critical minerals surges, Africa finds itself central to the energy transition. But the question remains: does ESG accelerate or hinder progress? In a recent webinar, experts explored how environmental, social, and governance factors are reshaping the investment and operational landscape for mining across the continent.

Participants

Moderator:

  • Richard Morgan – Advisory Board Member, CMAG; Former Head of Government Relations, Anglo American

Welcome Remarks:

  • Veronica Bolton Smith – Chief Executive Officer, CMAG

Panellists:

  • Sarah Gordon, Co-Founder & CEO, Satarla
  • Laura Hall, Head of ESG, TechMet Ltd
  • Davidzo Muchawaya, Africa Lead, Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
  • Natasha Buchler, Head of ESG, Aperio Intelligence
  • Cecilia Mattea, Europe Lead, Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)

 

ESG as Strategic Imperative

Participants unanimously agreed that ESG is no longer optional—it’s a non-negotiable foundation for securing capital, managing risk, and accessing global markets. Far from being a barrier, ESG is increasingly seen as a competitive differentiator. Buyers and investors now demand demonstrable standards to avoid reputational and operational exposure.

Standards and Flexibility:

While global frameworks are evolving, participants highlighted the need for ESG approaches that adapt to local realities. What works in mature jurisdictions may not suit early-stage projects in Africa. Standards must be both ambitious and flexible—providing room for gradual compliance without sacrificing integrity. Companies need clarity and consistency, but also room to navigate cultural and regulatory differences.

The Burden of Complexity:

The ESG landscape is fragmented, with multiple overlapping frameworks, legal obligations, and evolving disclosure rules. This creates confusion and resource strain, especially for smaller firms. There’s a growing need to streamline reporting and focus on impact rather than bureaucracy. Despite this, companies with strong values and leadership are finding ways to embed ESG effectively—even in high-risk jurisdictions.

ESG as Trust-Building, Not Box-Ticking:

Beyond compliance, ESG must be grounded in purpose and accountability. It’s about building trust with stakeholders—local communities, regulators, financiers, and customers. Success hinges on transparent performance, ethical supply chains, and shared value creation. This is especially crucial when operating in fragile governance environments, where trust and social license often matter more than formal permissions.

Supply Chain Scrutiny

Global scrutiny of supply chains is intensifying, particularly in relation to human rights and forced labour. Mining companies and manufacturers alike are under pressure to map and clean up their supply chains, even when visibility is limited. Geopolitical tensions and sourcing risks—especially related to China—further complicate compliance and investor expectations.

Conclusion

ESG is not an obstacle to African mining—it’s the key to unlocking its full potential. But with weak regulatory oversight, limited enforcement capacity, and often outdated legal frameworks, companies operating in Africa must raise the bar themselves. Leadership, not legislation, will determine whether the continent’s mineral wealth drives sustainable development—or replicates the mistakes of the past.

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