Africa is home to some of the world’s most ambitious and transformative mining projects, spanning critical minerals, gold, copper, and energy resources.
Here are 10 game-changing mining projects shaping the continent’s economic future:
1. Simandou Iron Ore Project (Guinea)
The Simandou mountain range in southeastern Guinea hosts one of the world’s richest untapped iron ore deposits, estimated at 1.5 billion tonnes of high-grade ore. The concession is divided into four blocks, with Rio Tinto holding rights to Blocks 3 and 4 via Rio Tinto Simfer, a joint venture with Chalco Iron Ore Holdings and the Guinean government. Rio Tinto serves as the managing partner for the development.
To unlock the value of this resource, Rio Tinto Simfer is working in collaboration with the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and the Guinean government to build over 600 km of rail from the mines to the coast. This massive infrastructure development will enable efficient export of iron ore from the interior to the maritime borders. The project includes port infrastructure in the Forécariah prefecture and is critical to realising the full economic potential of the region.
A central player in this development is La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), established in March 2022. CTG is co-owned by Rio Tinto Simfer and WCS, each holding a 42.5% equity share. The Simandou project not only positions Guinea as a global player in the iron ore sector but also promises to create substantial economic and employment benefits for the country.
2. Kansanshi (Zambia)
Located near Solwezi in Zambia’s North Western Province, the Kansanshi mine is one of Africa’s largest copper-gold operations. First Quantum Minerals (FQM) owns an 80% stake in the mine through Kansanshi Mining PLC, with the remainder held by Zambia’s ZCCM-IH. The S3 expansion project was initially announced in 2013 but paused due to fiscal uncertainty. In 2022, the project was given the green light once more.
The S3 expansion aims to significantly increase copper production, with a target of 250,000 tonnes annually starting in mid-2025. At an investment of US$1.25 billion, the expansion includes a new process plant, a smelter upgrade, expansion of the mining fleet, and development of the South East Dome pit. The latest NI 43-101 report from July 2024 confirms proven and probable reserves of 935.2 Mt at an average grade of 0.56% TCu.
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The life of the mine is expected to extend beyond 2040, cementing Zambia’s position as a key global copper producer. FQM’s leadership has described the S3 expansion as a cornerstone for its long-term strategy in the region, bringing not only increased revenues but also significant job creation and infrastructure benefits for local communities.
3. Goulamina Lithium Project (Mali)
The Goulamina Lithium Project, located in Mali’s Bougouni Region, is the country’s flagship lithium initiative. Developed jointly by Leo Lithium and Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium, the project holds reserves of 142.3 million tonnes grading 1.38% Li₂O. It is poised to be West Africa’s first lithium-producing mine. A Definitive Feasibility Study was completed in 2019 by Lycopodium, with execution underway since 2022.
Stage 1 of the project includes engineering, procurement, and project management services designed to enable an annual output of 500,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate. With a mine life projected at 23 years, Goulamina is set to deliver enduring economic benefits, including exports, job opportunities, and industrial growth. The scale and grade make it a strong contender in the global lithium supply chain.
Beyond its economic impact, the project also represents a shift in Mali’s mining narrative, moving from gold dependence to critical minerals essential for the green energy transition. Goulamina is already attracting significant investor interest and positioning Mali as a future lithium powerhouse on the continent.
4. Ewoyaa Lithium Project (Ghana)
Atlantic Lithium’s Ewoyaa project in Ghana’s Central Region is on track to become the country’s first lithium-producing mine. With an annual output forecast of 365,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate, Ewoyaa stands as a transformative venture for Ghana. The company is listed on the ASX, AIM, and the Ghana Stock Exchange and has secured all permits needed to commence construction.
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While Mali beat Ghana to the title of West Africa’s first lithium producer, Ewoyaa will be a trailblazer within Ghana’s mining sector. Traditionally dominated by gold, Ghana’s mining industry will benefit from diversification as this project introduces a new revenue stream and bolsters the country’s role in the global clean energy supply chain. The mine is located near Saltpond, about 100 km from Accra, and is well-supported by existing infrastructure.
The project consists of eight primary deposits and, once operational, will be among the world’s largest hard-rock lithium producers. Atlantic Lithium’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development is expected to further enhance the project’s social licence to operate.
5. Bled El Hadba Phosphate Mine (Algeria)
In Algeria’s Tébessa Province, the Bled El Hadba phosphate mine is a key component of the country’s strategy to strengthen food security and become a major player in the global fertiliser market. Estimated to contain 1.2 billion tonnes of phosphate ore, including 800 million tonnes that are extractable, the mine is the focal point of a joint venture between Algerian and Chinese partners.
By 2027, the project aims to produce over 5 million tonnes of phosphate annually and enable the production of phosphate-based fertilisers. This is part of a broader integrated phosphate megaproject, which includes downstream processing facilities in Souk Ahras, Annaba, and Skikda. The total project is backed by an investment of $7 billion and is forecast to yield 6 million tonnes of fertiliser annually, leveraging Algeria’s vast 2.2 billion tonnes of phosphate reserves.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has prioritised this project as a strategic asset for national development. Once operational, it will create thousands of jobs, improve Algeria’s export capacity, and elevate the country’s status as the world’s fourth-largest holder of phosphate reserves. It complements other strategic projects like the Gara Djebilet iron mine and the Oued Amizour zinc mine.
6. Kipushi Zinc Mine (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Ivanhoe Mines Kipushi mine in the DRC, is home to some of the highest-grade zinc ore globally. With an estimated 11.78 million tonnes of ore at a zinc grade of 35.34%, the mine represents a major asset in the global zinc market. Production was slated to begin in late 2024, following the completion of an 800,000-tonne-per-annum concentrator facility in May of the same year.
This state-of-the-art concentrator includes dense media separation, milling, and flotation circuits. The mine is expected to produce more than 278,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate annually for the first five years, with a 96% recovery rate and an average grade of 55% contained zinc. Kipushi’s 2024 guidance projects output between 50,000 to 70,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate, setting a strong foundation for long-term operations.
Ivanhoe acquired its 68% interest in Kipushi in 2011, with the remaining 32% held by state-owned Gécamines, which will increase to 38% under a revised joint venture agreement. The project was idle since 1993 until a redevelopment plan was finalised in 2022. With over 4,500 meters of underground development completed by the end of 2023, Kipushi is well on track to reclaim its historical status as one of the world’s most productive and high-grade zinc mines.
7. Tasiast Gold Mine (Mauritania)
Kinross Gold’s Tasiast mine is among the largest gold mines in Africa and a pillar of Mauritania’s mining sector. Located in the desert north of Nouakchott, the mine is undergoing a significant expansion to enhance its processing capabilities and extend its mine life. The expansion is part of a phased approach to unlock additional value from the deposit.
The Tasiast 24k project aims to increase throughput capacity to 24,000 tonnes per day. This is expected to drive annual gold production above 600,000 ounces while lowering costs per ounce due to operational efficiencies. The project has already seen the completion of a power plant and water supply upgrades, essential for scaling up operations in the remote desert environment.
Beyond production, the Tasiast expansion is contributing to local economic development through job creation and infrastructure investments. Kinross has also implemented training and development programmes to build skills within the Mauritanian workforce. The mine’s expanded footprint underscores Mauritania’s growing prominence in West Africa’s mining landscape.
8. Luele Diamond Mine (Angola)
The Luele diamond mine in Angola’s Lunda Sul Province began operations in 2024 and is quickly establishing itself as one of the largest diamond mines globally by resource. The mine holds an estimated 628 million carats of diamonds, placing it on par with some of the world’s most prolific diamond operations.
Luele was developed as part of Angola’s effort to diversify its diamond production base and reduce reliance on traditional sites such as Catoca. The project is managed by Sociedade Mineira do Luele, a consortium that includes Endiama (Angola’s national diamond company) and international partners. Initial production forecasts are strong, with full capacity expected within the next two years.
The mine is expected to be a game-changer for Angola’s mining economy, providing a steady stream of foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities. The government has also committed to ensuring transparency and environmental compliance, positioning Luele as a modern, responsible mining project in Africa’s revitalised diamond sector.
9. Kuvimba Lithium Project (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe’s state-owned Kuvimba Mining House has launched an ambitious lithium project at its Sandawana site, backed by a $310 million investment. The centrepiece of the project is a lithium concentrator plant expected to process 600,000 metric tonnes of lithium concentrate annually. This places the project among the largest in southern Africa.
The Sandawana mine is rich in lithium-bearing pegmatites, making it a critical site for Zimbabwe’s vision to become a major supplier of battery minerals. Construction is progressing swiftly, and the plant is set to deliver its first output within the next two years. The initiative is aligned with Zimbabwe’s broader push to industrialise and generate value-added mineral products domestically.
Kuvimba’s project not only enhances Zimbabwe’s lithium production capacity but also supports downstream job creation and technological development. With global demand for lithium accelerating, Zimbabwe is leveraging its natural endowment to position itself as a strategic supplier to global electric vehicle and battery manufacturers.
10. KoBold Metals AI Exploration (Zambia)
KoBold Metals, a Silicon Valley startup backed by Bill Gates and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, is revolutionising mineral exploration in Zambia’s Copperbelt using artificial intelligence. The company is applying its proprietary technology to unlock high-grade copper deposits like Mingomba, with preliminary findings suggesting it could become one of the largest copper mines in the world.
KoBold’s approach combines machine learning, big data, and advanced geophysics. Its TerraShedSM data platform organises historical geological information, while its Machine Prospector engine applies algorithms to identify likely ore bodies buried deep underground. This enables faster and more accurate discovery compared to traditional exploration methods. The company has raised over $500 million to support global expansion and Zambian operations.
Mingomba, KoBold’s flagship site in Zambia, is projected to yield over 300,000 tonnes of copper per year once fully developed. By investing its own capital and taking ownership stakes in exploration projects, KoBold is reshaping how critical minerals are discovered and developed. Its work in Zambia signals a new frontier for AI-led exploration on the African continent.