Mining industry in Africa

Statista overview report on the status, opportunities, and challenges of Africa's mineral sector

Mining industry in Africa

The African non-fuel mineral wealth places the continent as a prominent player in the international market. The continent's sizeable untapped potential and an increase in the global demand for minerals to be used in technological advancement provide significant opportunities for Africa. However, mineral production also presents several challenges, including economic, societal, and environmental pressures.

This report explores the non-fuel mineral sector in Africa. It first provides insights into the continent’s importance to the global mining industry and the current status of key mineral production (non-ferrous metals, ferroalloys, precious metals, and diamonds). It then tackles the economic significance of the mining industry, social and environmental issues, and Africa's role within the increasing mineral need for new technologies.

Table of contents

Overview of Africa’s mining industry

  • Global relevance
  • Untapped potential
  • Foreign presence

Key mineral resources
  • Non-ferrous metals (copper, lithium, aluminum, bauxite)
  • Ferroalloys (cobalt)
  • Precious metals (gold and PGM)
  • Diamonds

Economic relevance of minerals
  • Mineral exports
  • Gold and base metals trade
  • Mineral dependence
  • Challenges of mineral dependence

Social and environmental issues
  • Artisanal mining
  • Workers’ safety and child labor
  • Displacement and migration
  • Environmental concerns

Rising mineral demand
  • Increasing demand for critical minerals
  • Africa’s potential
  • Main challenges

Conclusion and outlook

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