UK scales up mining investments across Africa to secure critical minerals

The United Kingdom is intensifying its engagement in Africa’s mining industry as part of a broader strategy to guarantee long-term access to both critical and conventional minerals essential for the global energy transition and digital economy.

Stretching from the mineral belts of Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the deposits in Ghana, Angola, and Mozambique, Africa stands as the world’s richest continent in natural resources. It is estimated to host 30% of global reserves of critical minerals, alongside substantial deposits of gold, copper, cobalt, uranium, and platinum. This wealth places the continent at the heart of international supply chains and creates compelling opportunities for UK investors and mining firms.

Boosting production capacity

At the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW), the roundtable discussion titled European Partnerships in African Mining: A Mutually Beneficial Future will bring together UK and European financiers with African stakeholders. The session will highlight UK-backed projects designed to strengthen Africa’s mining production capacity while also advancing value addition and local beneficiation.

Several British companies are already increasing their presence across the continent. Blencowe Resources is moving forward with Uganda’s Orom-Cross Graphite Project, supported by a $1.5 million funding package from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. In August 2025, the company also entered into a five-year offtake agreement with Perpetuus Advanced Materials Limited to supply graphite directly to the UK. Meanwhile, Kore Potash is channeling $2.2 billion into the Republic of Congo through a partnership with Swiss investor OWI-RAMS GMBH to accelerate the Kola Potash Project. In Zambia, the British Geological Survey recently collaborated with the Ministry of Mines to publish a critical mineral mapping study that underscores fresh investment opportunities.

Gemfields, Endeavour Mining, and Xtract Resources are likewise expanding operations in gemstone and gold mining across Mozambique, Zambia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. Complementing these corporate ventures, British International Investment (BII) boosted its African commitments by 40% in 2024, bringing investments to £1.09 billion. Collectively, these initiatives reflect the UK’s growing stake in Africa’s mineral future while offering a platform for mutual development.