Lobito, often regarded as Angola’s crown jewel, is a vibrant port city nestled along the Atlantic coast. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches and mild tropical climate, Lobito has become a popular tourist destination. However, beneath its appealing exterior lies a complex history marked by colonial exploitation and violence. The Portuguese established control over Angola in the late 16th century and maintained their dominance until a brutal 27-year civil war, supported by Cuban forces and a leftist coup in Portugal, culminated in the end of colonial rule in 1974.
Historically, Lobito served as the economic heart of Portuguese Angola, linked to the Benguela Railway, operational since the early 1900s. The port facilitated the export of agricultural products and minerals from Africa’s Copperbelt to Europe. Today, the Copperbelt remains a vital resource hub, spanning the Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Zambia.
As the global demand for critical minerals grows, Lobito and its port have become pivotal to both China’s and Western nations’ strategies for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This shift could exacerbate neocolonial dynamics, as the demand for minerals essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels surges. The World Economic Forum estimates that the world will need around 3 billion tons of metals to meet future energy needs, while the International Energy Forum predicts a necessity for up to 194 new copper mines by 2050.
Much of the required minerals are located in Latin America and Africa, with over half found near Indigenous lands. This raises significant concerns for vulnerable populations who may face adverse impacts from mining operations. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the extraction of critical minerals could yield $16 trillion in revenues over the next 25 years, with Sub-Saharan Africa potentially seeing a 12% increase in GDP by 2050. However, this growth is likely to benefit foreign investors more than local communities.
Lobito’s strategic location makes it essential for the mining industry. In 2024, China pledged $4.5 billion to African lithium mines and $7 billion for copper and cobalt mining infrastructure. Meanwhile, the U.S. is making moves to catch up. In September 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed an agreement with Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the European Union to develop the Lobito Corridor project. With a $4 billion investment, the U.S. aims to enhance infrastructure initially established during colonial times.
President Biden emphasized this partnership, calling the Lobito project a landmark investment and reaffirming U.S. commitment to Africa. However, such developments often raise questions about the implications for local populations and the environment, especially as the push for green energy intensifies.
While mining activities in the Congo and Zambia promise significant profits, they also come with severe human and environmental costs. Reports highlight the exploitation of child labor in cobalt mines and hazardous working conditions in Zambian copper mines, where accidents are common, and safety regulations are frequently ignored.
Companies like Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), now owned by Vedanta Resources, exemplify the challenges faced by local communities. Despite being one of Zambia’s largest employers, KCM has a notorious record of environmental degradation. The Kafue River, once a lifeline for many, is now heavily polluted, impacting the health and livelihoods of surrounding villagers.
Although Zambian courts have ruled in favor of affected communities, holding companies accountable remains a challenge. Environmental regulations are weak and poorly enforced, leaving local populations vulnerable to the consequences of mining activities.
In this new era of resource extraction, the rhetoric surrounding green energy often obscures the harsh realities faced by communities in countries like Zambia. The critical minerals needed for technological advancement are being mined with little regard for the local population, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation reminiscent of colonial times.
As global demand for resources continues to rise, Lobito’s role in the mining industry may evolve, but the question remains: who will truly benefit from these developments?
