Amid growing global demand for various minerals, such as nickel and copper, and Africa’s endowment thereof, Vale Base Metals non-executive chairperson Mark Cutifani recently discussed the importance of responsible investment and leadership in the African mining sector, highlighting the need for ethical, efficient and effective business practices.

Considering that the continent has an abundance of natural resources, such as water and arable land, Cutifani, during his keynote address at this year’s London Indaba, highlighted the potential of Africa’s natural resources in contributing to the development of the continent, as well as global development, while acknowledging the challenges of managing these resources sustainably and equitably.

“If we reflect on the traditional conversations around mineral potential, we need to think more broadly around the fact that we have a potential resource of investment that we could use to facilitate all of those developments across the globe,” he said.

“Given that the world is short of copper, lithium, nickel and a range of other minerals, it seems reasonable that the world should be open to the longer-term development of Africa, in particularly in the quest to establish long-term, reliable mineral supply,” he added.

Additionally, Cutifani stressed the importance of investing in people for sustainable growth in Africa, highlighting the importance of education and skills development for local communities.

He also noted the role of global institutions in supporting Africa’s development, to make investment in the continent accessible, and appropriately protected to ensure reliability and continuity of critical supply chains.

“When we talk about making a difference, and we look at those countries leading the world per se, . . . we need the great leaders to collaborate and address the inconsistencies of the unintended consequences of globalisation. That's the first thing.

“The second thing is, we need investment and support at the basic level and the support of the locals to create what is possible,” he said.