# Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, says mineral beneficiation must sit at the absolute centre of Africa’s economic conversation. The continent holds about 30-percent of the world’s most critical mineral deposits, including cobalt, lithium, copper, rare earths, and platinum group metals. Speaking during a panel discussion at the Southern African Development Community Industrial Week in Durban yesterday, Nzimande emphasised that critical minerals are the bedrock of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, energy security, and the global transition to clean technologies. He added that critical minerals are strategic enablers of future industries.
Minister Nzimande says critical minerals are the bedrock of economic growth in Africa