UK Boosts Support for African Partners to Enhance Governance of Critical Minerals: UN Security Council Statement

The potential of natural resources to foster peace, prosperity, and stability is significant. However, this potential can only be realised when there are robust national institutions, transparency, and effective governance in place. The United Kingdom is actively engaging with the Natural Resource Governance Institute to aid African nations in enhancing the governance of critical minerals. This initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability while simultaneously expanding opportunities for local communities.

Recent efforts, such as the UK-supported launch of Ukraine’s Critical Minerals Strategy, exemplify this commitment. This initiative transcends mere mineral management; it is intrinsically linked to Ukraine’s broader recovery, resilience, and long-term security. The call to action is clear: we urge all Member States to implement appropriate measures and provide necessary support to ensure that governance, transparency, and accountability are established at both national and local levels, thereby ensuring that communities can truly benefit from the extraction of natural resources.

Addressing the Risks of Resource Exploitation

Conversely, the absence of adequate safeguards can lead to the perpetuation of armed groups, entrenchment of war economies, and the prolongation of conflict. The Kimberley Process serves as a pertinent example, illustrating that there is no universal solution. Each commodity, supply chain, and operational environment requires tailored responses. In recognition of this, the United Kingdom, through the British Geological Survey, is collaborating with various countries to enhance the digitalisation and analysis of geological data. This approach not only improves transparency but also attracts responsible investment while supporting informed decisions regarding resource development grounded in context-specific evidence.

Moreover, the UK is employing targeted measures to address security issues associated with natural resource supply chains. Just last week, new sanctions were imposed on illicit gold and financial networks that play a significant role in sustaining the conflict in Sudan. We encourage Member States, businesses, and civil society to adopt pragmatic, evidence-based, and conflict-sensitive strategies to ensure that natural resource extraction effectively contributes to development and security.

The Importance of Global Collaboration

No nation can confront these challenges in isolation. International collaboration is crucial if natural resource wealth is to provide enduring benefits for local communities. The United Kingdom remains dedicated to working alongside partners to enhance governance across critical minerals value chains, engaging through platforms such as the G7, G20, and the OECD.

Additionally, the UK has leveraged its position within the UN Security Council to implement sanctions addressing the intersection of minerals and conflict, as well as through the Kimberley Process. The United Kingdom is a staunch supporter of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which assists resource-rich nations in attracting responsible investment, fostering public trust, and achieving more sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.

We strongly encourage Member States to engage substantively with international institutions and existing frameworks, including the Kimberley Process, to ensure that the benefits of natural resources are equitably distributed to local communities. The decision at hand is not about whether nations should develop their natural resources; rather, it is about whether those resources will incite conflict or create opportunities. The United Kingdom is resolutely committed to collaborating with partners to ensure that natural resources serve as pillars of peace, prosperity, and stability, rather than catalysts for conflict.