Reach: African states raise alarm for impact on exports

08 February 2005 12:14  [Source: ICIS news]

JOHANNESBURG (CNI)--African states expressed concern Tuesday over the European Union’s (EU) controversial Reach (registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals) proposals, saying they could act as a trade barrier to Africa’s vital minerals exports.

South African energy and mines minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka told reporters at a meeting of 24 African mining ministers: “The effect of that [Reach] is that it could look to the exclusion of certain mineral products into the EU. We feel it is a trade barrier potentially.”

African states such as South Africa and Ghana are major exporters of gold, platinum and other precious metals and minerals that are the mainstays of many local economies and the focus of most foreign investment. Platinum and gold have chemical properties in various applications; for example, platinum is used in catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions from automotive engine exhaust.

 

"Taking into account the importance of mineral resources for African countries, the AMP [African Mining Partnership] member states want to ensure that the outcome of Reach will not create obstacles to the economic development and poverty reduction strategies of African states,” the 24-member AMP said in a statement today.

 

The European Commission (EC) this month said it is seeking a “balanced agreement” on Reach that would take into account the impact on innovation and competitiveness, especially for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

 

Concerns about the workability and effectiveness of Reach were raised most recently on 19 January in Brussels at a public hearing organised by the European Parliament amid widespread calls for a revision of the current Reach draft.

By: Steve Swindells
+44 20 8652 3214

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