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Presenter urges local processing to make critical minerals a force for peace
Summary
At a UN Security Council high-level debate, a presenter argued that resource-rich countries should focus on local processing and value addition to turn rising demand for critical minerals into jobs, infrastructure, and improved governance rather than conflict.
The Presenter told the Security Council that surging global demand for critical minerals "should represent a once in a generation chance for Africa" to accelerate industrial development and lift living standards. He argued that moving from raw extraction to local processing and refining would create incentives for governments to invest in roads, electricity, and training, and make it harder for armed groups to profit from smuggling.
"My message today is simple. Mineral wealth is not inherently a blessing or a curse," the Presenter said, urging producer countries to insist on value addition rather than exporting only raw materials. He said local manufacturing and integrated production help strengthen taxation, regulation, and community stakes in mining success, which he described as essential to peacebuilding.
