Harnessing the African peer review mechanism (APRM) potential to advance mineral resource governance in Africa

Abstract

Africa is significantly endowed with mineral resources. Its mineral reserves of bauxite, chromite, cobalt, hafnium, diamonds, manganese, phosphate rock, platinum-group metals, soda ash, vermiculite and zirconium rank first or second in the world. The continent is also a major global producer of these minerals. The main objective of the study is to bring to the attention of relevant entities the various angles that the APRM could be harnessed to foster a concrete transformation in the management of mineral resources in Africa. This transformation is intended to create the social compact that is needed to strengthen accountability in order to ensure that mining generates better development outcomes. By highlighting the various issues pertaining to the effective governance of the Extractive Industries and by emphasizing on the potential and possibilities of the APRM, the background paper also aims at reflecting in depth on how to actually induce the much needed change in management, leadership as well as participation of all the relevant stakeholders.