He warned against exporting raw materials to countries that impose high tariffs on finished goods.

Speaking at the ongoing G20 Critical Minerals Stakeholder Engagement in Johannesburg, Mantashe said Africa must retain control over its resources to maximise economic benefits.

“We want to have a serious conversation with China. They cannot build a bigger chrome industry than us when we are the ones mining the chrome,” Mantashe said. “The larger chrome industry should be located here, as we are the world’s largest chrome producers. We cannot allow chrome to be exported and stockpiled, only for the market to be flooded later, causing prices to collapse. That must not happen.”

The event, held under the theme ‘Harnessing Critical Minerals for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’, brings together governments, industry experts, and stakeholders to explore ways to responsibly develop and manage critical minerals,many of which Africa holds in abundance.

–ChannelAfrica–