Ensuring Africa’s Rich, Critical Minerals Endowment Crucial to Global Energy Transition is Leveraged to Promote SDG7 on the Continent (COP27 Blue Zone Event)

Africa Pavilion, P16, Area B, Blue Zone
 
As clean energy transitions gather pace, demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements will soar. This will require a ramp up in mineral supplies from new and diversified sources. The production and processing of these minerals brings risks associated with the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts of mining projects, which must be responsibly addressed.
 
Africa is a potential enabler of energy transition through its natural resources, including major reserves of critical minerals. A just energy transition would ensure that the development of these resources supports economic prosperity and helps Africa to achieve SDG7 in specific and all the SDGs in general.

Starting from 9:31:30:


The event hosted a panel discussion on how mineral projects in Africa can support global energy transitions and regional sustainable development.

Panelists:

• Tim Gould, chief energy economist, International Energy Agency
• John Lindberg, public affairs manager, International Council on Mining and Metals
• Mike Enskat, head of section for energy, water and mobility, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
• Ana Carolina González Espinosa, senior director for programs, Natural Resource Governance Institute
• Sebastian Sahla, policy advisor, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 
• Jerry Ahadjie, chief minerals officer, African Development Bank

Moderator: Crispen Zana, senior energy advisor, Africa-EU Energy Partnership and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
 

Organized by International Energy Agency and the Africa-EU Energy Partnership.