Abigail Hunter, executive director of the energy security group SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, said the U.S. backing of the Lobito Corridor makes sense. The United States and allies — through the G7 or the Minerals Security Partnership — supporting mines alone cannot put a dent in diversifying supply chains.
“If we don’t have the ability to move the material, what’s the point in supporting getting the material out of the ground and refining it and processing it?” asked Hunter. “These are U.S. taxpayer dollars, and we’re trying to support a diversified supply chain not just for us, but for our friends, allies and the resource-rich nations trying to go down the value chain.”
Others warn the rail project must be accompanied by larger benefits for African nations.
Read the full article: Blinken eyes critical minerals victory in Africa
