Security and political risks confronting mining in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounts for approximately 30% of all known critical mineral reserves, many of which are essential for the ‘green transition’ that will increasingly define the global economy over the coming decades. These abundant reserves bring with them many opportunities, for both the region itself and those involved in the extraction process.

However, the SSA’s unique and diverse political and security landscapes contain an abundance of challenges for commercial organizations. Operators must account for and mitigate these obstacles to ensure the safety of personnel and assets, protect their reputations, and foster a positive impact on local environments. The following summarizes many of these threats and analyzes specific case studies that underscore both the risks and rewards facing those planning a long-term presence in the region.