Africa Top Gold Mining Countries
goldandlandsadmin October 18, 2022 No Comments
Africa is a major producer of many key mineral commodities, including gold, diamonds, cobalt, bauxite, iron ore, and coal. Some of the major mining countries in Africa are the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C), South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
There is no how you could talk about gold in Africa without looking at the first country that discover gold in Africa. Now let’s look down to history before I give you the top Gold Mining Countries of Africa. The first recorded discovery of gold in South Africa was made by Jan Gerrit Bantjes in June 1886. This discovery marked the beginning of a major shift in the economy of South Africa, which later became known as “the Witwatersrand.”
The gold mining industry continued to grow significantly in the early 20th century, contributing to an overall economic tripling effect. Revenue from gold exports provided sufficient capital, contributing to South Africa’s economy today.
With South Africa’s gold mining industry typically dominating the African continent, there has been a shift in focus with countries such as Ghana, Sudan, Mali, and Burkina Faso entering the fray.
Major companies such as Newmont GAB FIELD Company LTD, Kinross Gold, and AngloGold Ashanti, are active in the region, alongside controversial artisanal miners, who are especially active in Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Africa’s Top Gold Mining Countries
In this article, we profile the leading gold producers across the African continent.
1. Ghana – 142.4 tons
One of the Dark Continent’s top gold mining countries, Ghana grabbed the top spot from South Africa after mining more than 142 metric tons of the precious metal in 2019.
While artisanal miners contribute to Ghana’s gold production, some of the country’s largest mines are operated by large companies. These include Kinross Gold (Chirano), Newmont Goldcorp (Akyem and Ahafo), AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi and Iduapriem)., Gold Fields (works the Tarkwa gold mine), and Asanko Gold (Asanko mine).
Read Also: How to Buy Gold In Ghana?
According to Miningglobal.com, Ghana’s gold reserves are estimated at 1,000 metric tons. Of its total mineral exports, 37% are from mining, with gold accounting for 90% of total mineral exports.
2. South Africa – 118.2 tons
Over the past eight decades, declining gold ore grades in South Africa have made it fall from its previous position as Africa’s leading gold producer to Ghana… In 2019, gold production fell to 118 metric tons from 137 metric tons in the previous year.
The Witwatersrand Basin, an underground geological formation in South Africa, is home to one of the largest gold placer deposits in the world. Top gold mines in the country include South Deep (owned by Harmony Gold), Mponeng (operated by AngloGold Ashanti and currently the deepest mine in the world), and Driefontein (owned by Sibanye-Stillwater). South Africa’s oldest mine, Kromdraai, is a tourist attraction today as well.
Despite diminishing gold reserves, South Africa is still estimated to possess 6,000 metric tonnes (second-largest in the world), according to 2018 MiningGlobal data.
3. Sudan – 76.6 tons
Sudan ranks third in this list of top gold producers with 76 metric tons produced in 2019. However, it was a decline from the 93 tons produced the previous year and the 107 tons in 2017.
The Sudanese government claims annual gold production in the range of 120-200 tons.
The company’s gold mines include Morila (managed by the Government of Mali and Anglo Gold Ashanti), Sadiola (managed by the Government of Mali, Anglo Gold Ashanti, and LamGold), and Loulo-Gounkoto (managed by Barrick Gold).
4. Mali – 71.1 tons
Mali, a West African country with a population of 19 million and abundant natural resources, produced more than 71 metric tons of gold in 2019. That represents an increase from the 61.2 tons produced in 2018, placing it fourth on our list of top gold producers on the continent.
The country’s gold mines include Morila (managed by the Government of Mali, AngloGold Ashanti, and Barrick Gold), Sadiola (managed by the Government of Mali, AngloGold Ashanti, and LamGold), and Loulo-Gounkoto (managed by Barrick Gold).
5. Burkina Faso – 62 tons
Burkina Faso’s gold reserves are estimated at 154 metric tons, according to Eiti.org. The country produced 62 metric tons of gold in 2019, placing it in the fifth position on our list of West African gold-producing countries; Burkina Faso is known for having one of the most dynamic mining sectors in this region. As well as copper, zinc, and limestone, Burkina Faso has manganese and phosphate deposits as well as reserves of iron ore.
Burkina Faso has several gold mines, including Kalsaka, which is operated by Banlaw Africa Limited; Youga, jointly operated by the Government of Burkina Faso and Etruscan Resource; Karma, operated by Endeavour Mining; Mana, operated by Semafo; Yaramoko, owned and operated by Roxgold; Taparko-Boroum owned and operated by Société des Mines de Taparko SA; Essakane owned and operated by IAMGOLD; and Inata jointly operated by the Government of Burkina Faso and Avocet.
Conclusion
As one of the world’s most precious and coveted metals, gold has been valued throughout history. Estimates of global mine reserves fluctuate slightly from year to year but are not much higher than 50,000 metric tons. The countries with the largest estimated reserves are Australia, Russia, and the United States; approximately 3,200 metric tons were produced worldwide in 2020.
