https://mg.co.za/politics/2025-02-03-no-minerals-for-the-us-if-aid-is-cut-gwede-mantashe-threatens/
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has urged Africa to take control of its vast mineral resources and push back against developed nations, particularly the US, which he accused of dictating the terms of global mining and industrialisation.
Speaking at the 31st Investing in African Mining conference (mining indaba) in Cape Town on Monday, Mantashe criticised Western countries for defining “critical minerals” to serve their own interests, sidelining Africa’s broader economic needs. He said South Africa and other African nations should not cower in fear of US threats.
“Let us withhold minerals to the US,” he said.
“If they don’t give us money, let’s not give them minerals … we are not just beggars. Let us use that endowment for our benefit. If, as a continent, we are [paralysed] with fear, we are going to collapse, but with minerals at our doorstep.