From March 9 to 11, 2026, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted a significant regional workshop in Gaborone, Botswana, to confront the growing issue of mineral crimes. This event attracted a diverse array of stakeholders from law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including police services, anti-corruption agencies, and mining regulators, emphasizing a collaborative approach to thwarting illegal activities related to mineral extraction. Notably supported by the Government of Japan, the workshop provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among local, regional, and international partners such as INTERPOL.

The focus of the workshop highlighted the SADC region's wealth in critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel, which are crucial for global technological advancements and decarbonization initiatives. The significance of these minerals has increased due to the global push for sustainable energy solutions, including electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. Thus, the rise in demand has regrettably also spurred a range of illegal activities including smuggling, corruption, and environmental degradation, necessitating a robust response from the involved stakeholders.

The implications of this workshop extend beyond immediate law enforcement actions; it underscores the need for regional cooperation in tackling mineral crimes that threaten not only local economies and environments but also broader global sustainability goals. By bringing together various agencies and enhancing their collaborative efforts, the SADC and UNODC aim to build a stronger framework for combating criminal operations in the mining sector, fostering a safer and more sustainable future for mineral management in Southern Africa.