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Global Mining Majors
Seeking long-life assets tied to future-facing minerals
Asian Mining Giants in Africa
China's footprint
in critical minerals.
Who are the actors and stakeholders of China's engagement in critical minerals in Africa?
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Companies
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Projects
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Countries
For over a century, energy systems were built around burning fuel, giving rise to the mechanical systems that defined the modern world.
From steam engines to combustion, turbines, and electric motors, power has steadily advanced.
Today, the global energy landscape is in transition—moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems. But this shift depends on something essential: minerals.
50 AD
Hero's Aeolipile
Ancient
1712
Newcomen Steam Engine
Industrial Revolution
1765
Watt Steam Engine
Industrial Revolution
1876
Otto Four-Stroke Engine
Combustion Age
1897
Diesel Engine
Combustion Age
1939
Gas Turbine Jet Engine
Modern Power
1991
Lithium-Ion Battery
Electric Future
1997
Hybrid Electric Powertrain
Electric FutureAncientIndustrialIndustrial RevolutionCombustionCombustion AgeElectricElectric Future
Building this new energy system depends on vast quantities of transition minerals.
Li · 3
C · 6
Ni · 28
Co · 27
Mn · 25
Cu · 29
REE · 60
Lithium
Powers the battery revolution
The lightest metal on earth, lithium is the cornerstone of rechargeable battery technology. Found primarily in brine deposits and hard rock mines, lithium is the main ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, which store the electricity that makes EVs and renewable grids possible.
Key Sources:ChileAustraliaChina
Graphite
The backbone of battery anodes
This crystalline form of carbon is used as the anode in lithium-ion batteries. While synthetic alternatives exist, rising costs are making natural flake graphite increasingly critical.
Key Sources:ChinaMozambiqueBrazil
Nickel
Unlocks longer range
High-purity nickel increases the energy density of EV batteries, directly translating to longer driving ranges. Class 1 nickel suitable for batteries is increasingly scarce and valuable.
Key Sources:IndonesiaPhilippinesRussia
Cobalt
Prevents thermal runaway
This blue mineral stabilizes battery cathodes, preventing the dangerous overheating that can cause fires. Over 70% of global supply comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key Sources:DRCRussiaAustralia
Manganese
Boosts battery lifespan
Manganese improves the structural stability of battery cathodes, extending cycle life and reducing degradation. It's abundant, but processing capacity is heavily concentrated in China, which holds approximately 90% of global refining capacity for battery-grade manganese.
Key Sources:South AfricaGabonAustralia
Copper
Conducts the current
Copper is the world's most efficient electrical conductor after silver. Every EV uses 3-4x more copper than conventional vehicles. It's essential for wiring, motors, and charging infrastructure.
Key Sources:ChilePeruDRC
Rare Earths
Drive EV motors
Different from transition minerals, rare earth elements like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium create the powerful permanent magnets in EV motors and wind turbines. China controls over 60% of mining and 90% of processing.
Key Sources:ChinaMyanmarUSA
Lithium
Graphite
Nickel
Cobalt
Manganese
Copper
Rare Earths
Control over these minerals determines who leads and shapes the energy transition.
But where do these critical minerals exist?
Across the world, countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, Chile, and South Africa hold significant reserves of these minerals.
Chile alone controls one-third of the world's known lithium and one-fifth of global copper.
Australia has emerged as a dominant supplier of hard-rock lithium, with significant copper and cobalt.
But a large portion of the world's critical mineral reserves lies in Africa.
The continent holds over half of the world's cobalt, nearly 40% of global manganese, and vast graphite deposits stretching from Mozambique to Madagascar.
However, geological abundance does not equal production.
Turning these deposits into usable supply requires billions in capital, technical expertise, and decades of development.
The global energy transition runs through Africa.
Africa's mineral wealth sits at the center of the global energy transition — but unlocking it requires billions of dollars in long-term mining and infrastructure investment
This gap between geological abundance and industrial capacity has drawn a wide range of international actors into Africa's mining sector.
02
Commodity Traders
Securing long-term supply for batteries, grids, and manufacturing
03
State-Backed Investors
Linking mineral access to infrastructure, financing, and diplomacy
04
Regional & African Firms
Expanding across borders to capture greater value
Yet not all actors engage at the same speed, scale, or level of coordination.
Over the past two decades, China has emerged as one of the most active external actors in Africa's mining sector, building its presence through a mix of commercial and state-backed engagement.
Key mechanisms that have anchored China's role include:
Long-term Licensing
Single mining licenses lock in mineral access across multiple mine phases for decades, securing supply far into the future.
Joint Ventures
Joint ventures share ownership with local firms but retain operational control through technical expertise, financing, and management capacity.
Minerals-for-Infrastructure
State-to-state agreements exchange mining rights for infrastructure finance—roads, railways, and power plants built by Chinese contractors.
These mechanisms come to life through strategic partnerships with African governments and local firms.
The Footprint
Where the action is.
Across the value chain, Chinese companies are active across Africa's mineral-rich belt.
The Ecosystem — Deep Dive
Who owns what?
29 entities shape China's mineral dominance in Africa—from central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with direct state mandates to nimble hybrid players. Click any company to explore its government connections, state support, and leadership.
Central State-Owned Enterprises
Companies owned by the central government and directly supervised by the Central SASAC.
Chalco (Aluminum Corporation of China Limited)
HQBeijing, China|2001
Guinea
Bauxite
Central SOEs
Chalco
Aluminum Corporation of China Limited(hereinafter referred to as Chalco), a holding subsidiary of Aluminum Corporation of China, is the world’s largest producer and supplier of alumina, aluminum, fine alumina, high purity aluminum and aluminum anodes.
China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited
HQShanghai, China|1978
Guinea
Iron Ore
Central SOEs
China Baowu
China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as “China Baowu” or “Baowu”), headquartered in Shanghai, is an important backbone state-owned enterprise (SOE) directly administered by the central government , and the largest and most influential steel conglomerate in the world.
China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN)
HQShenzhen, China|1994
Namibia
Uranium
Central SOEs
CGN
CGN, formerly China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group, headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, is a central enterprise controlled by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. CGN is a central enterprise that has gradually grown and expanded with China's reform and opening up and the development of nuclear power.
China Minmetals
HQBeijing, China|1950
Botswana · DRC
CopperCobalt
Central SOEs
Minmetals
Fortune Global 500 central SOE operating internationally through Hong Kong-listed MMG Limited, headquartered in Melbourne. Projects 'Western' corporate face while retaining state control.
China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC)
HQBeijing, China|1989
Namibia
Uranium
Central SOEs
CNUC
China Uranium Industry Co., Ltd. is a national team and main force in China's natural uranium supply, an important part of China's nuclear industry system and an important participant, builder and promoter of the development of the international natural uranium industry.
China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group
HQBeijing, China|1983
Zambia · DRC
CopperCobalt
Central SOEs
CNMC
China's pioneer in African mining, established deep-rooted presence in the Copperbelt that serves as template for Chinese engagement.
China Railway Group Limited (CREC)
HQBeijing, China|1989
DRC
CopperCobalt
Central SOEs
CREC
Central Chinese engineering SOE involved in major global infrastructure projects and a shareholder in the Sicomines copper–cobalt venture in the DRC.
China Rare Earth Group
HQBeijing, China|2021
Burundi
Rare Earths
Central SOEs
China RE
Formed in December 2021 through merger of rare earth assets from Minmetals, Chinalco, and Ganzhou RE Group. State-controlled behemoth controlling global rare earth pricing and processing.
Chinalco (Aluminum Corporation of China)
HQBeijing, China|2001
Guinea
Bauxite
Central SOEs
Chinalco
Aluminum Corporation of China is an important state-owned backbone enterprise managed by the central government and a pilot enterprise of state-owned capital investment companies, undertaking the important mission of building a leader in the global non-ferrous metals industry, a main force in the guarantee of national strategic mineral resources and advanced materials, and a leader in industry innovation and green development.
MMG Limited
HQMelbourne, Australia|2009
Botswana · DRC
CopperCobalt
Central SOEs
MMG
Fortune Global 500 central SOE operating internationally through Hong Kong-listed MMG Limited, headquartered in Melbourne. Projects 'Western' corporate face while retaining state control.
PowerChina
HQBeijing, China|2011
DRC
CopperCobalt
Central SOEs
PowerChina
Infrastructure conglomerates that entered mineral space through 'Resources-for-Infrastructure' (RFI) financing model. Primary contractors for Belt and Road Initiative.
Hybrid / Mixed-Ownership Enterprises
Firms that combine state ownership with private or public shareholders.
Bosai Minerals Group Co., Ltd.
HQChongqing, China|1994
Ghana
Bauxite
Hybrid / Mixed
Bosai
With more than ten large-scale manufacturing enterprises and companies in Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou as well as Germany, Guyana in South America and other places, it is one of the earliest and most successful enterprises in Chongqing and even China to "go out".
CMOC Group Limited
HQLuoyang, Henan Province, China|1969
DRC
CopperCobalt
Hybrid / Mixed
CMOC
World's largest cobalt producer, overtaking Glencore. Modern 'Hybrid' giant operating with commercial aggression rivaling Western majors. Mixed ownership enterprise with state-linked and private investors.
CNGR Advanced Material
HQGuangxi, China|2014
Morocco
CobaltManganese
Hybrid / Mixed
CNGR
We prioritize technological innovation as our primary driving force, focusing on battery materials such as nickel, cobalt, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, lithium, and cutting-edge technologies.
DH Mining Development Limited
HQ
Mozambique
Graphite
Hybrid / Mixed
DH Mining
Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd.
HQXinyu, Jiangxi, China|2000
Mali
Lithium
Hybrid / Mixed
Ganfeng Lithium
Ganfeng Lithium Group's business runs through the whole industry chain of resource mining, refining and processing, battery manufacturing and recycling, and its products are widely used in electric vehicles, energy storage, 3C products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Hainan Mining Co., Ltd.
HQHainan Province, China.|2007
Mali
Lithium
Hybrid / Mixed
Hainan Mining
Hainan Mining has gradually expanded its business portfolio from iron ore to include oil, natural gas, and new energy industries, consistently enhancing its business performance and social impact.
JCHX Mining Management Co. Ltd.
HQBeijing, China|1997
Zambia
Copper
Hybrid / Mixed
JCHX
Jinchengxin Mining Management Co., Ltd. is an international mining company integrating mine engineering construction and mining operation management, resource development, mine design and technology research and development, mining machinery and equipment manufacturing, and trade.
Shengxin Lithium Energy Group Co., Ltd.
HQChengdu, China|2001
Zimbabwe
Lithium
Hybrid / Mixed
Shengxin Lithium Energy
Shengxin Lithium Energy Group Co., Ltd. has built 137,000 tons of lithium salt production capacity and 500 tons of lithium metal production capacity in Deyang, Sichuan and Suining, Indonesia, of which Indonesia's annual output of 60,000 tons of lithium salt production base is the largest ore lithium extraction project built overseas, and the company's lithium salt production capacity ranks among the top in the world.
Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co., Ltd.
HQSichuan, China|1952
Zimbabwe
Lithium
Hybrid / Mixed
Yahua Industrial Group
Yahua Lithium is a major global supplier of lithium salt products, and its main business includes lithium mining and lithium salt processing. The lithium salt production capacity is now 130,000 tons, and the planned overseas production capacity is 60,000 tons.
Sinomine Resource Group
HQBeijing, China|1999
Zimbabwe · Namibia
LithiumCopper
Hybrid / Mixed
Sinomine
Transformed from geological service provider into significant owner-operator of critical mineral assets. Aggressively pursuing vertical integration within Africa.
Winning International Group Pte. Ltd.
HQSingapore|2002
Guinea
Bauxite
Hybrid / Mixed
Winning International Group
Winning International Group is a diversified multinational enterprise with shipping at its core, deeply engaged in the development of Guinea’s mineral resources and the construction of full-value-chain infrastructure. The Group provides integrated mineral logistics and sustainable development solutions to clients worldwide.
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd.
HQZhejiang, China|2002
Zimbabwe
Lithium
Hybrid / Mixed
Huayou Cobalt
Zhejiang, one of China's top 500 enterprises, is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the research and development and manufacturing of new energy lithium battery materials. After more than 20 years of development, the company has built a business pattern of overseas resources, international manufacturing and global markets; It has created five major business sectors:
Zijin Mining Group
HQShanghang, Fujian Province, China|1986
DRC
CopperCobaltLithium
Hybrid / Mixed
Zijin
Most dynamic Chinese miner known for 'Zijin Speed' in project execution. Willingness to partner with Western exploration firms. Founded by geologist Chen Jinghe.
Provincial State-Owned Enterprises
Companies owned by provincial governments and supervised by Provincial SASACs.
Huazhou Mining
HQNingbo, China
Gabon
Manganese
Provincial SOEs
Huazhou
Operational vehicle for manganese extraction in Gabon. 49% owned by Ningbo Huazhou Mining, 51% by South Manganese (CITIC Dameng). Operates through CICMHZ subsidiary.
Jinchuan Group
HQJinchang, Gansu Province, China|1959
Zambia · DRC · South Africa
CopperCobaltPGM
Provincial SOEs
Jinchuan
Provincial SOE based in Gansu Province, China's 'Nickel Giant'. Powerhouse in nickel and cobalt production with roots in technical metallurgy.
Shandong Yulong Gold Group
HQShandong Province, China
Mozambique
Graphite
Provincial SOEs
Shandong Yulong
Traditional gold miner diversifying into 'new energy minerals' like graphite. Represents new trend of gold capital entering transitional minerals.
Special Strategic Vehicles
Entities directly supervised by the Ministry of Finance, not SASAC.
CITIC Metal
HQBeijing, China
DRC
CopperZinc
Special Strategic Vehicles
CITIC
Resource investment arm of massive CITIC Group conglomerate. Acts as strategic investor and financier rather than direct operator. Largest single shareholder in Ivanhoe Mines (~29%).
South Manganese
HQBeijing, China
DRC
CopperZinc
Special Strategic Vehicles
South Manganese
Resource investment arm of massive CITIC Group conglomerate. Acts as strategic investor and financier rather than direct operator. Largest single shareholder in Ivanhoe Mines (~29%).
The Power Structure
Follow the chain of command.
Behind every mining operation lies a network stretching back to Beijing. Understanding who answers to whom — and who provides the capital — reveals much about how these enterprises operate in Africa.
ClassificationCentralProvincialStrategicHybrid
Linescommandauthority
Financing architecture
hover to highlightHover any node to trace authority and capital. Click an operator to pin its state-support details.
The Tensions
Not Without Friction.
The story of Chinese mining in Africa includes difficult chapters — labor disputes, environmental concerns, and governance challenges. Some companies are reforming. Others continue to face persistent challenges.
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2005
2006
2008
2011
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Safety
Labor
Environmental
Community
Governance
Human Rights
12High severity09Medium01Low02ResolutionsHover for preview · click for full detail
Signs of Progress
First major Chinese company to commit to IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance) audit
CMOC Group
Increased investments in safety training after 2005 disaster
CNMC·source ↗
Joined UN Global Compact LEAD program
China Minmetals/MMG·source ↗
Pledged improved waste management
Jinchuan Group·source ↗
Constructed pre-treatment plant to mitigate future spills
Sinomine Resource Group
Company rebuttals citing adherence to DRC laws
Zijin Mining·source ↗
The new
mineral order.
From resource extraction to value addition, this select group of Chinese companies has played an outsized role in Africa's critical minerals landscape. This is where global supply chains begin—where the energy transition takes root, where local and global interests converge, and where the balance of economic power is shaped.
29
Companies
38
Projects
5
Countries
11
Minerals
Want to know more? Take a closer look at each company.