Motsepe firms in $195m mining row

Parallel legal proceedings have unfolded in Tanzania and SA, illustrating the complexity of cross-border litigation in Africa's minerals sector

- Mnaku Mbani

A $195 million mining dispute involving Tanzanian graphite developer Pula Graphite Partners Tanzania Limited and companies linked to South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has escalated, with parallel legal proceedings unfolding in both countries.

The developments underscore the growing complexity of cross-border litigation in Africa’s minerals sector.

Pula Graphite Partners, chaired by former US ambassador to Tanzania Charles Stith, holds exploration interests in the south of the country, a region that has emerged as one of its most prospective graphite corridors as global demand for battery minerals accelerates.

In 2023, Pula initiated proceedings in the Tanzanian High Court against African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), African Rainbow Capital (ARC), ARCH Sustainable Resources and Motsepe. The suit alleges breaches of nondisclosure and non-compete agreements entered into during discussions around a proposed graphite development in Tanzania.

Pula contends that the agreements were designed to protect commercially sensitive information shared as part of a potential investment and partnership process.

The matter is scheduled for mention on February 23, a procedural step that could allow the case to advance toward trial after more than two years of preliminary litigation.

The proceedings have been characterised by interlocutory applications, procedural disputes and appeals that have delayed substantive arguments on the merits of the case.