Eight Countries Launch Mineral Compacts to Spur Jobs and Growth
Argentina, Bolivia, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mauritania and Zambia set targets to turn mineral wealth into jobs with World Bank Group support.
The story in focus
Eight governments announced country partnerships and compacts to advance responsible metals and minerals development, create jobs and strengthen local economies, with World Bank Group plans to increase support fivefold to $19 billion between FY26 and FY30.
- Argentina, Bolivia, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mauritania and Zambia set priorities, commitments and measurable targets for reforms, infrastructure, skills and investment.
- Egypt targets a 6% minerals contribution to GDP by 2030 and $9.8 billion in metals and minerals-related exports by 2040.
- Kazakhstan aims to mobilize up to $20 billion by 2031; India seeks $5 billion through 2031; Zambia targets three million metric tonnes of annual copper production by 2031.
Country commitments and targets
The plans identify actions including modernizing mineral licensing and geological data, strengthening environmental and social oversight, expanding energy and transport infrastructure, and developing local workers and suppliers. Egypt's compact targets a 6% minerals contribution to GDP by 2030 and $9.8 billion in metals and minerals-related exports by 2040 through legal and fiscal reforms, improved geological data, digital systems and processing hubs.
Kazakhstan aims to mobilize up to $20 billion by 2031 through legal reforms, stronger environmental and social standards, digital geological data, and investment in processing and skills. India seeks to mobilize $5 billion in capital through 2031 for exploration, critical-mineral processing parks, rare-earth corridors, advanced manufacturing, recycling and skills. Zambia targets annual copper production of three million metric tonnes by 2031 under its Grow Zambia Agenda.
Financing and implementation
The World Bank Group plans to increase its metals and minerals support fivefold to $19 billion between FY26 and FY30, combining its own financing with private capital mobilization. The World Bank will provide policy advice and public financing, IFC will invest and mobilize private capital, and MIGA will provide guarantees to manage risk.
Argentina's partnership sets out to mobilize private responsible investment through IBRD, IFC and MIGA instruments and to responsibly develop copper and lithium resources. Bolivia's compact focuses on modernizing the legal framework and governance to attract long-term private investment for responsible mining, improving transport logistics and developing value chains for critical minerals. Malawi prioritizes stronger sector governance, expanded energy and transport infrastructure, workforce and supplier development, and greater transparency in mineral licensing and revenues.
What does the World Bank Group plan for metals and minerals support?
The World Bank Group plans to increase its metals and minerals support fivefold to $19 billion between FY26 and FY30, combining its own financing with private capital mobilization, according to the announcement.
Sources & further reading
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