Cape town: African mining leaders have called on countries across the continent to define critical minerals according to their unique industrial and economic priorities, a move that could significantly impact Namibia's lithium, uranium, and rare earth sectors. This call to action was made during a panel discussion at the African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town, South Africa.According to Namibia Press Agency, the session, moderated by Isabelle Ramdoo, Director at the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, was themed 'Is the term 'Critical Minerals' right for Africa?' Marit Kitaw, Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, emphasized that Western nations often define critical minerals based on their technological and defense needs. Kitaw urged African countries to align their definition of critical minerals with their own development goals such as industrialization, skills development, and job creation.Isaac Tandoh, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's Minerals Commission, stre ssed the importance of ensuring mineral resources contribute to domestic economic transformation. He noted that exporting raw materials without local processing limits the value retained by the country. This perspective is particularly relevant to Namibia, which has identified lithium, uranium, and rare earth elements as key to its energy transition and industrialization plans. In 2023, Namibia's Cabinet approved measures to prohibit the export of certain unprocessed critical minerals to promote local beneficiation.Tandoh also highlighted that a development-based definition of critical minerals could shape future mining licenses and investment agreements. Mintek Chief Executive Officer, Molefi Motuku, pointed out that regional coordination could enhance Africa's bargaining position on the global stage. He argued that collaboration among countries could lead to better negotiation outcomes with larger economies.The session underscored the necessity for increased investment in research, engineering, and tech nical skills to bolster downstream processing. Speakers advocated for mineral agreements that include provisions for skills transfer and long-term industrial partnerships to ensure sustainable development. These discussions were part of broader dialogues at the Mining Indaba, where African governments are exploring strategies to maximize returns from the growing global demand for energy transition minerals.