Imperial Practices in Overseas Mineral Extraction and Processing

Project leader: Wiebke Antonia Rabe, University of Bremen

Securing access to raw materials has been a central concern of empires throughout history, as stable supply is essential for both their rise and survival. This project examines Chinese imperial practices in overseas mineral extraction and processing, focusing on four key minerals relevant to the global energy transition across three regions: cobalt and copper in the Copperbelt (Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia), lithium in the Lithium Triangle (Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile), and nickel in Indonesia.

• First, the project traces the evolution of learning processes among Chinese political and business elites since the beginning of the Xi era, identifying key actors, learning triggers, and proposed policy responses aimed at maintaining and expanding China’s centrality in mineral supply chains.
• Second, it analyzes the temporal and spatial expansion of Chinese control over mineral extraction and processing projects, as well as related infrastructure.
• Third, it identifies host-country intermediaries who facilitate and anchor Chinese mineral extraction and processing projects, examining their interests, actions, and the mechanisms through which they are created and sustained.
• Fourth, it draws conclusions about China’s growing autonomy in global mineral supply chains and the ways in which it generates host-country dependence on its financial, technical, and knowledge-related resources.

Methodologically, the project is based on extensive fieldwork, including interviews and field observations in all three regions. It also involves the collection and analysis of large volumes of textual data—including policy documents, company reports, and media sources—using a combination of web scraping and manual document collection.