Africa-based mining projects could benefit from the growth of minor metals, such as tin, graphite and vanadium, says strategic services supplier Core Consultants MD Lara Smith.

Smith will deliver a presentation on the subject at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 9 to 12.

She will also focus on the major global demand trends in the mining industry and the key growth drivers for the metals.

“With society having moved into the age of electronics and the ‘green age’, minor metals are a particularly interesting subject. Many minor metals enable the miniaturisation of crucial devices and products that enable our modern world – from everyday applications, such as smart phones, televisions and refrigerators, to electric vehicles, wind power motors and military defence applications,” says Smith.

She explains that minor metals are expected to increase in importance as these products become more entrenched in society. “Understanding their potential in the context of mining is therefore important,” she says.

Addressing Pertinent Issues
Smith tells Mining Weekly that Core Consultants’ discussion session is relevant to all companies involved in African mining, as it aims to address continent-specific issues, such as whether Africa could be a major exporter of the minor metals, and overtake countries such as China.

The presentation will also focus on attractive minor metals projects and will highlight deposits that could be developed, she says, adding that she will also consider whether there is a long-term demand threat to rare-earth elements and minor metals in Africa.

“Our presentation will be relevant to all our clients, who range from producers and end-users to banks, legal entities and investors. “Many stakeholders will have an interest in understanding these market dynamics and in gleaning some insight into what is generally regarded as an elusive sector,” says Smith, further expressing hope that the presentation will result in attendees gaining a better understanding of minor metals, thereby guiding them to make better investment decisions.

Smith points out that the presentation will not be too in-depth or technical, as it is intended to arouse interest and make people aware of the various commodities and mineral sectors that can be considered for development.

Smith also hopes that the discussion will steer major diversified miners’ focus away from major projects to smaller projects that are usually overlooked and, consequently, “never get off the ground”.

She says the minor metals sector offers a good opportunity for investment and is currently dominated by junior minors and exploration companies. “If Africa can attract funding to these sectors, it would enable the continent to become a strategic player in a market with good fundamental prospects,” she adds.

Value
Smith tells Mining Weekly that Core Consultants has been attending the Mining Indaba for the past five years and always looks forward to meeting new and interesting like-minded companies. The company always manages to establish new contacts and brainstorm new ideas and new approaches to business at the yearly event.

“Many of the new contracts that we handle every year stem from meetings that took place at the indaba,” she says, also highlighting the perk of attending social events and doing business in a more relaxed setting.

Smith further highlights the Mining Indaba as beneficial to Africa, as it helps paint a positive picture of the continent by highlighting mining successes and promoting the continent as a region that is open for business.