Webinar – Africa’s Role in Critical Raw Material Mining and Refining

Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) are indispensable for facilitating modern technologies, particularly in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, long-duration energy storage (LDES), and digital infrastructure. These materials are fundamental to the European Union’s strategic objectives for achieving climate neutrality and driving digital transformation and are central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the escalating geopolitical and supply chain vulnerabilities, the European Commission has enacted the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) to promote a secure, ethical, and sustainable supply of CRMs.

The forthcoming webinar, scheduled for virtual participation on June 4, 2025, is accessible to all interested individuals, professionals working in the mining, raw materials, and energy transition sectors, graduate and postgraduate students, and early-stage researchers.  This seminar is organized under Horizon Europe CICERO, Horizon Europe EXCEED, Horizon Europe AVANTIS, Horizon Europe LITHOS, Horizon Europe ENICON projects.

The seminar will feature two insightful presentations from high level experts from Africa, Everjoy Muchefa Researcher & Process Engineer from University of Johannesburg and Professor Harmony Musiyarira, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

The presentations dedicated to critical aspects of the mining sector in Africa, provide insightful analysis. The first presentation offers a reflective examination of artisanal and small-scale mining of lithium-bearing minerals. It elucidates the current practices, socio-economic consequences, and regulatory framework governing this sector. The second presentation covers the broader prospects and challenges associated with sustainable mining practices in the region. It addresses environmental concerns, governance dilemmas, and the and the need for responsible resource management.

These sessions aim to foster a deeper understanding of Africa’s complex mining dynamics and stimulate dialogue on sustainable and inclusive mining pathways.

Free registration.

Everjoy Muchefa Researcher & Process Engineer is a Zimbabwean researcher currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the University of Johannesburg. She is a dedicated researcher and aspiring chemical engineer with a strong focus on lithium beneficiation and sustainable mineral processing. With experience in lithium bio-flotation, phase transformation studies, and energy storage applications, her work actively contributes to advancing environmentally friendly extraction techniques. Currently, she is researching the physio-chemical interactions between spodumene and microorganisms to enhance bio-flotation, exploring innovative approaches to improve lithium recovery. Her work integrates bioengineering, flotation kinetics, and mineral processing innovations, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for the growing battery materials industry. Much of this research has been presented at academic and industry forums, showcasing expertise in process optimization, mineral bio-processing, and metallurgical analysis.

Professor Harmony Musiyarira, a distinguished leader in engineering and academia, currently serves as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built  Environment at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). His extensive expertise, honed during his tenure as the Head of the Department of Mining and Process Engineering and his prior role managing Refractory High-Temperature materials, Earthenware, and Sanitaryware ceramic production plants for a formerly Anglo-American Corporation, instils confidence in his leadership. He has significantly impacted Namibia’s mining sector. His influential engagements with local industries, government institutions, and world-renowned research organizations, such as the Ian Wark Research Institute and the Sustainable Minerals Institute, have been instrumental. He spearheaded the development of the Mineral Beneficiation Strategy, contributed significantly to the Namibian Sector Growth Strategy for Coloured Gemstones, and reviewed Namibia’s Mining policy framework, thereby shaping the future of the industry.

Professor Harmony Musiyarira’s influence extends beyond his leadership roles. He is a PhD external examiner for prestigious institutions, including the University of Queensland in Australia, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of the Witwatersrand. His academic contributions have been recognized through various accolades, including the Guenter Fettweis Award for his work in shaping discourse on sustainable mining under the Society of Mining Professors.

The detailed program is the following:

If you are interested, please register at the following link, Register here until 2/6/2025:

The registered participants will receive an email with the zoom link.

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