Policy convergence on development minerals in Africa: A study of Ghana’s regulatory frameworks

Abstract

The Africa Mining Vision (AMV) seeks a mining sector that “is diversified, incorporating both high value metals and lower value industrial minerals at both commercial and small-scale levels.” However, there are comparatively fewer large-scale investments in so-called low value industrial minerals (or Development Minerals) than in high value metals. This paper explores regional policies and interventions aimed at promoting the Development Minerals sector, to determine whether there has been convergence in the approaches across Africa. National level interventions using the case of Ghana are assessed to understand the effectiveness of such treatment in promoting knowledge and building linkages of the Development Minerals sector within local economies. We conclude with several recommendations, key among which are the need for actionable instruments toward the harmonisation of the AMV with the sub-regional policies, such as the ECOWAS Mining Directive and its Minerals Development Policy. To ensure regional convergence, a classification scheme of the range of Development Minerals is needed to define relationships between their volume and value. This will enhance strategic and targeted interventions by governments in Africa in the treatment of Development Minerals for domestic and regional development.