I made an interactive dashboard using Looker Studio, a data visualization tool, showing several hundred mines across Africa.

Using the Mines in Africa Dashboard

The dashboard allows you to filter by various fields.

Below is a short video showing you how you can use the filters.

Facts about the Data

(Courtesy of ChatGPT of course)

The Gold Rush Continues: Gold mining is still king across Africa, with the majority of mines dedicated to extracting this precious metal. From Algeria to Zimbabwe, the continent remains a significant source of global gold supply.

South Africa Still Leads: Despite diversification in mining across Africa, South Africa remains a powerhouse with the most mines of any country. Its longstanding infrastructure and expertise have kept it at the forefront of the continent’s mining industry.

The Unexpected Top Producer: Mozambique surprises as the African country with the highest average mine output, thanks largely to its massive Temane Gas Field, which yields an impressive 500 million units of natural gas annually.

Copperbelt’s Claim to Fame: The Copperbelt region, spanning Zambia and the DRC, boasts the highest concentration of mines. This hotspot is vital not only for copper but for cobalt as well, critical to the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.

Africa’s Iron Giants: Iron ore production is dominated by mega-projects like Guinea’s Simandou mine and Cameroon’s Mbalam-Nabeba site, which both have colossal output capacities and major international investments.

The Boom of the ’70s: A surprising number of mines across the continent were launched in the 1970s, a decade marked by massive industrial expansion and international investment in African resources.

Natural Gas Tops the Charts: Although less talked about, natural gas mines, led by Mozambique’s Temane Gas Field, outstrip others in average output by far, highlighting Africa’s potential as a key player in the global energy landscape.

Multinational Mining Partnerships: Many of Africa’s largest mines are operated in partnership between African governments and global corporations. This blend of local and international players underscores the strategic importance of African resources.

Regions on the Rise: Regions like Western Africa, the Red Sea coast, and Limpopo have seen notable growth in mining. These areas are becoming prominent hubs, with investments bringing infrastructure and jobs to more remote regions.

A Surge in Unconventional Materials: While gold and iron ore are prevalent, the list also features niche materials like rubies, ilmenite, and lithium, showing Africa’s diverse mineral wealth and its growing role in supplying emerging global markets.

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