UK research and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie, in collaboration with the Future Minerals Forum, has presented a white paper advocating for the establishment of a minerals Super Region encompassing Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. The proposal aims to position this region as a global leader in minerals and clean energy technologies production to facilitate a successful energy transition. The white paper estimates a capital expenditure requirement of approximately $400 billion by 2030 for mining, refining, and smelting of critical minerals. Antai Africa, rich in mineral resources, especially cobalt, in countries like DR Congo, Madagascar, Morocco and South Africa, manganese, and graphite, emerges as a key player in the Super Region, though challenges such as an immature financial ecosystem and underdeveloped infrastructure need addressing. The Middle East is identified as a potential financial and experiential hub, leveraging sovereign wealth funds for investments, while South Asia, particularly India, is seen as the demand and manufacturing center due to its significant population and growing solar capacity.
The white paper underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts across resources, capital, demand, and capabilities to unlock the Super Region's potential, creating a formidable force in metals and mining and countering China's dominance in the energy transition ecosystem.