- African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), will help member countries get the most out of their minerals in a sustainable way.
- AMDC is part of a larger plan called the Africa Mining Vision (AMV).
- AMV aims to make sure that Africa benefits from its minerals fairly and sustainably.
African Union leaders are calling on member states to hurry up and approve a new centre focused on developing the continent’s mineral resources.
Termed African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), the institution will help member countries get the most out of their minerals in a sustainable way.
In an ongoing three-day conventional meeting that commenced on Wednesday, April 24, in Arusha Tanzania, Charles Newton Chiumya, the African Union Commission’s Acting Director for Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, conveyed a clear message to AU member states regarding the importance of ratifying the AMDC Statutes.
Minerals are valuable resources that can be used to make many things, from phones to cars. Africa has a lot of minerals, but it often doesn’t get as much benefit from them as it could.
The AMDC aims to change this by helping countries develop better policies and practices for mining.
“These tools are going to greatly enhance our industrial policymaking as well as help to bring in the required focus that industrialisation needs both from policymakers as well as the private sector, who will now clearly see where the continent has opportunities,” stated Chiumya during his address.
Chiumya’s remarks echoed the sentiments of AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry Albert Muchanga, whom he was representing at the event.
Currently, the AMDC can’t officially be operational because not enough countries have approved it and signed a treaty.
So far only four African countries including Guinea, Mali, Zambia and Nigeria have ratified the statute. A minimum of 15 ratifications are required for entry into force of the statute and full operationalization of the Centre.
However, AMDC is part of a larger plan called the Africa Mining Vision (AMV).
AMV aims to make sure that Africa benefits from its minerals fairly and sustainably.
This means protecting the environment and making sure that local communities benefit from mining projects.
By approving the AMDC, African countries can show their commitment to the AMV and responsibly develop their mining sectors.
This could lead to more economic growth and job creation across the continent.
Furthermore, Chiumya urged member states that have not yet ratified the Statutes to do so promptly, highlighting the critical role that the AMDC plays in the continent’s quest for minerals development.
He emphasised that the ratification of these Statutes is essential for consolidating efforts towards achieving sustainable mineral development across Africa.
“At this juncture, let me pause and call upon all AU member states that are yet to do so, to ratify the Statutes of the African Minerals Development Centre. This is very key in our quest for Mineral development in the Continent,” urged Chiumya.
By ratifying the Statutes of the AMDC, member states will demonstrate their commitment to advancing minerals development, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
Meanwhile, in a historic gathering of media stakeholders, policymakers, industry experts, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa, a pivotal planning session unfolded, in Tanzania signalling a new chapter in the continent’s mining sector.
Small-scale mining is when people mine for minerals without big companies or machines, took center stage of the room.
It has always been a good way for people to make a living in Africa even though the leaders clarified that it is time to do so safely and responsibly.
The meeting brought together government officials, industry experts, and even small-scale miners themselves as they discussed ways to make small-scale mining more sustainable and beneficial for everyone involved.
This meeting is a sign that African countries are taking steps to improve all aspects of their mining sectors, from large-scale operations to small-scale mining.
By working together, African countries can ensure that their mineral resources benefit the continent for generations to come.
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