Over 14,000 participants from 178 countries gather to advance sustainability and innovation in the critical minerals sector
The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) took center stage at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia chairing a pivotal panel discussion on the traceability of critical minerals. The event brought together governments, international organizations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to collaborate on shaping a sustainable future for the global critical minerals sector.
The Forum, which hosted over 14,000 participants from 178 countries, focused on fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in the industry. CMAG’s CEO, Veronica Bolton Smith, led a panel on “Making High-Risk, Minerals-Rich Jurisdictions Investable by Growing Supply Chain Transparency and Certification.”
The discussion gained urgency following recent legal actions by the Democratic Republic of the Congo against Apple over alleged “blood minerals,” underscoring the importance of strengthening supply chain traceability.
Bolton Smith emphasized the need for a back-to-basics approach to transparency and certification, advocating for a multistakeholder strategy involving public and private sectors. Panelists highlighted that robust communication between governments, businesses, and local communities is key to navigating challenges and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
The panel also called for the establishment of enforcement mechanisms to ensure companies adhere to regulatory frameworks, which in turn could unlock responsible financing to harness Africa’s critical minerals resources.
“CMAG had a very productive trip to Riyadh – not least because of this engaging panel discussion on critical minerals traceability,” said Bolton Smith. “The biggest takeaway for me was that stakeholders wanting to play a role in unleashing Africa’s critical minerals potential should not simply wait for conditions to improve – they should proactively help shape change.”
In addition to the panel discussion, CMAG engaged with government officials, business leaders, and supply chain stakeholders to advance its mission of fostering deeper ties between Africa, the Gulf, and global markets.
The Critical Minerals Africa Group is an advocacy organization dedicated to placing Africa at the forefront of international critical minerals discussions. By enabling resilient and diversified supply chains, CMAG aims to deliver economic benefits to local communities and accelerate value-added activities in Africa’s critical minerals sector.