China and Mozambique to map critical minerals in insurgency-hit Cabo Delgado
A joint survey targets graphite, lithium, and rare earths amid an Islamist insurgency.
Mozambique and China have formalized a partnership to survey critical mineral deposits in Cabo Delgado, a northern province rich in graphite, lithium, and rare earth elements essential for green energy technologies. The agreement was announced after talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in Beijing. Xi expressed willingness to explore new paths for cooperation in infrastructure and comprehensive energy and mineral development, emphasizing sustainable practical cooperation.
However, the region remains volatile due to a violent Islamist insurgency that has displaced over a million people and stalled multibillion-dollar energy projects, including natural gas developments in the Rovuma basin, where more than 5 trillion cubic meters of reserves were discovered. Chinese state-owned enterprises have significant stakes in these projects. The survey aims to attract Chinese capital and security expertise to unlock one of Africa's most coveted resource frontiers, despite persistent security challenges.
- China and Mozambique will jointly survey graphite, lithium, and rare earth elements in Cabo Delgado.
- The region is plagued by an Islamist insurgency that has displaced over 1 million people.
- The Rovuma basin holds over 5 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, with Chinese state-owned firms holding major interests.
Why It Matters
This deal could secure critical mineral supply chains for green tech while reshaping security dynamics in a conflict zone.