West Africas realisation of its mining potential hinges on innovative and efficient logistics and supply chain solutions.
This, according to Michael De Wit, group chief commercial officer at logistics service provider Stacks Africa.
Significant deposits of gold, bauxite, iron ore, lithium and other critical minerals have been found in the region, with Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Cte dIvoire leading exploitation.
From importing equipment and consumables to exporting mined minerals, logistics plays a strategic role in ensuring operational continuity and cost control for the mines, De Wit tells Freight News .
The remote locations of many mines, coupled with infrastructure gaps and regulatoryhurdles, make logistics a critical challenge and create opportunities for innovative solutions.
A mix of political shifts, security concerns and infrastructure investments are reshaping traditional trade routes and giving rise to new corridors that are redefining cargo movement across the continent.
Recent political developments, particularly the rise of military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, have had a profound impact on regional log istics, says De Wit.
Read the full article in our Freight Features edition on 'West Africa.' Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free. Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.