Mineral Beneficiation : a continuing African paradox or a panacea for economic growth and skills development

Abstract

Africa is rich with plentiful mineral resources, yet it is a continent associated with underdevelopment, low economic growth and unskilled labour. Arguments abound that if developing countries added more value to their commodities locally, rather than exporting them to other countries in a raw and unprocessed format, their key economic indicators, such as employment and economic growth, would be enhanced. This study explored debates by scholars and policymakers, who either support or are against the position that mineral beneficiation is a panacea to Africa’s economic challenges. The study explored arguments by scholars and policymakers as to why African countries fail to pursue mineral beneficiation which has subsequently relegated their economies to the bottom end of economic development. The research explored how International Relations (IR) scholars in the past tried to define development. These debates on development were explored using the theoretical frameworks of modernisation and dependency. The study found that these debates, have highlighted the important role which mineral resources play in international relations. Diplomacy and foreign policy were found to be key aspects in the debates on mineral beneficiation in the continent. The study employed a qualitative research approach to explore arguments by scholars and policymakers on whether the continent should beneficiate its mineral resources. Data was collected, analysed and categorised. The findings of the research were discussed based on the themes which emerged from the literature reviewed. The study focused on whether by beneficiating minerals locally, the continent could realise sustainable economic growth for its citizens. The study explored whether debates by scholars, mining industry and government policymakers could dispel or support the argument that mineral beneficiation is a panacea for sustainable economic growth and skills development in the continent. The study found that debates on whether African governments should beneficiate their abundant mineral resources will continue to evolve and develop. Key words: mineral resources; underdevelopment; economic growth; mineral beneficiation; comparative advantage; skills development; employment creation, diplomacy, resource diplomacy, upstream and downstream linkages.