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Given the historical links between Russia and former liberation movements on the African continent, it should not be a surprise that there is a growing economic interest from Russian firms in the continent’s extractive industry.

During a visit to Zimbabwe last year, Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Dennis Manturov said his countrymen are keen to invest in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, especially in the platinum and chrome sectors. Russia's then special presidential envoy to Africa, Mikhail Margelov, expressed similar sentiments: “Russian companies are interested in the development of natural resources deposits in Africa. The African continent is a prospective region for Russian mining companies, and Russia can offer technological products in the military, geological exploration and energy spheres. There are also prospects for sales of our metallurgical and machine-building products in Africa.”

Russian group Norilsk Nickel is one of the major sponsors of this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba  on 4-7 February 2013.  Norilsk holds 50% of Nkomati Nickel, acquired as part of the purchase of LionOre Mining International in 2007. Norilsk’s other African operation is Tati Nickel, in Botswana.
Joining Norilsk Nickel at the Mining Indaba™ is Russian diversified mining company ENRC, which has its non-ferrous division based in Africa. ENRC also owns 12,2% of Northam Platinum, which it acquired for R2,2 bn from Mvelaphanda.  

Other Russian companies that have an interest in the continent include Renova, which owns the Transalloys manganese smelter in Mpumalanga and 49% of the United Manganese of Kalahari manganese mine in the Northern Cape. Renova’s investments in the South African assets to date are close to U$250-million.
Evraz Highveld mines titaniferous magnetite ore at the Mapochs operation at Roossenekal in Limpopo and produces iron and steel products and vanadium-bearing slag at its steelworks at eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.
Russian companies also want to develop deposits of rare metals, including cobalt and chromium ores, and uranium fields. The companies are also interested in diamond and platinum metals production in African states.