Russia Proposes Resource Alliances with Africa to Boost Subsurface Management and Mineral Extraction
Russia has proposed resource cooperation in the management of subsurface resources to African countries, Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov announced at the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi. The proposal aims to strengthen collaboration in mineral exploration, leveraging Russia's expertise and extensive mineral reserves to assist African nations in tapping into their own resources.
Minister Kozlov emphasized Russia's leading position in global mineral reserves, noting that the country extracts 118 of the 228 known types of minerals. "We are the world leader in many of them—gas, diamonds, nickel, cobalt, gold, silver, and iron," Kozlov stated. "We also rank among the top three globally for coal, oil, copper, tin, rare-earth metals, and lithium." He further highlighted that Russia's geological survey and field development capabilities are among the best globally, making it well-positioned to assist African countries in managing their subsurface resources effectively.
Kozlov noted that Russia and Africa share a strong foundation for cooperation, initially built during the Soviet era. "Africa has one of the highest potentials in critical mineral reserves globally, and Russian specialists have historically helped, and continue to help, African nations unlock this potential," he said. He highlighted several ongoing projects led by the Russian company RosGeo in countries such as Benin, Sudan, Djibouti, Angola, and the Central African Republic. Additionally, new projects in Zimbabwe, Algeria, Chad, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Mali are currently being developed, with Russia keen to expand its involvement further.
Kozlov also introduced the concept of forming "resource alliances" between Russia and African nations, through which both sides could benefit from cooperative management of world markets. He pointed out that Russia controls a significant share of the world's reserves for critical minerals: 55% of diamonds, 46% of palladium, and 23% of gold. Combined with African countries, these alliances could wield considerable influence on global markets. For example, Russia and South Africa together control 83% of global platinum production and 77% of palladium, while partnerships with countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Morocco give Russia and its allies substantial control over cobalt, phosphorus, and diamonds.
The proposal from Russia underscores the country’s ambition to expand its footprint in global mineral resource management while fostering closer ties with African nations. Kozlov concluded by expressing interest from other Russian geological institutions in working with African nations to conduct mineral surveys, study compositions, and explore opportunities to develop sustainable extraction methods.
