JOHANNESBURG—China is spending billions of dollars buying copper and rights to mine and process the metal—one of the world’s most important critical minerals—especially in Africa, where it has a strong presence.
Beijing is making these moves, say mining experts, as part of its preparation for more direct competition for Africa’s minerals from the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest action, a 50 percent tariff on copper imports set to become effective on Aug. 1, is aimed at boosting domestic mining and smelting.
China dominates critical mineral extraction in Africa, being the leading buyer of and investor in the materials, and controlling their processing and refining, according to the Africa Policy Research Institute….