Sustainability is critical
Sustainability in the mining of REEs and critical minerals is paramount
By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions
While efforts to discover high-quality Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and other critical minerals are in overdrive, there are deep concerns about the environmental and social impacts of mining and processing these materials.
In Europe there is a renewed drive to not only re-invest in mining and exploration efforts within the EU borders, but also to look further afield, outside of Europe’s borders.
African hotspots for REEs
The EU has identified several countries in Africa that hosts projects of exceptional strategic value.
REEs, for example, is required for the energy transition, a low-carbon future and new technologies in global defence systems.
However, there are deep concerns about the environmental and social impacts of processing these materials.
Many REE deposits contain radioactive elements and separating REEs involve the use of acids, solvents and chemicals. If poorly regulated, this can easily result in toxic waste, radioactive tailings, soil contamination and polluted water systems.
Most of the earmarked REE, critical mineral and defence material projects are found in developing countries, among them South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar, Zambia and the DRC.
Meet the needs with limited carbon footprint
Africa must prepare to meet this growing demand with, as the World Bank puts it, “the smallest possible carbon footprint, while safeguarding the environment and people.”
One way to do this is by creating circular economy industries, which include reclaiming these minerals from scrap metals and post-consumer waste. Alos where possible from old tailings dams, slag heaps, stockpiles or mine-polluted water sources.
This is an opportunity for all countries, not just those with the minerals in the ground.
A recent WWF discussion document outlines six key recommendations to ensure that Africa will benefit from mining and processing its critical minerals while avoiding the mistakes of the past.
The recommendations include creating circular economies, strategic land-use planning, improving workers’ rights, having sufficient funds available for rehabilitation and offsets, adopt and implement best practices for sustainability during preparation, mining and post-mining and establish a global framework and mechanisms for traceability, transparency and accountability in the mining and processing of transition minerals.
Endorphin Expeditions’ sustainability expeditions
Read more about sustainable mining, REEs, Europe’s critical and defence mineral links to Africa on the WhyAfrica website.
WhyAfrica’s sister company Endorphin Expeditions will undertake its first specialist and exclusive sustainability and biodiversity focused expedition in 2026.
Seats are limited on these unique 14-day small group overland expeditions, so book now to make sure you have a seat for this once-in a lifetime educational adventure.
Remember that WhyAfrica members get significant discounts when booking trips through Africa with Endorphin Expeditions.
You can also now follow Endorphin Expeditions on https://www.endorphinexpeditions.co.za/ or right here on their Linkedin page.
Sustainability in mining is critical
