Report Coverage
This report covers mining in West Africa, including the countries comprising the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). It includes information on mining, exploration and deposits in each country, developments, notable players, corporate actions, trade and influencing factors such as the economic environment and security risks. There are profiles of companies mining in the region such as major global companies AngloGold Ashanti, ArcelorMittal, Barrick Gold, Newmont, Orano and Rusal, and regional Simfer, Marampa Mines, Leo Lithium and Firefinch.
The Mining Industry in West Africa
West Africa contains known deposits of various minerals, and many more are still to be discovered as the region is generally underexplored. Due to increasing demand for gold and for critical minerals needed for the energy transition, developed countries’ desire to reduce their dependence on China for many critical minerals, and China’s need for minerals to feed its manufacturing industries, the region’s mineral production is growing, and dozens of companies are actively exploring..
Developments
In 2022, Ghana regained the title of Africa’s largest gold producer from South Africa, with its increase in production reflecting the reopening and expansion of mines and reduced smuggling. In 2023, construction restarted on the Simandou iron ore mining, railway and deep water port project in Guinea. Simandou’s north and south mines are expected to produce 100Mt, which will make Guinea the fifth largest iron ore producer globally and the largest in Africa, based on 2022 figures.
Challenges
Challenges include security risks, especially in Burkina Faso, southern Mali and western Niger, and a general lack of infrastructure. Artisanal and small scale mining forms a large part of the mining industry in the region, but is often associated with smuggling, revenue loss, child labour, human rights abuse, and environmental and human health and safety concerns.
The Mining Sector in West Africa
2023
Full Report
R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1070.90 (USD)*
Industry Overview
R 14 000.00(ZAR) estimated $ 749.63 (USD)*
Historical Reports
The Mining Sector in West Africa 2020-11-20
R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $101.74 (USD)*
View Report Add to CartThe Mining Sector in West Africa 2019-01-21
R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $101.74 (USD)*
View Report Add to CartThe Mining Sector in West Africa 2016-05-23
R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $101.74 (USD)*
View Report Add to CartTable of Contents
[ Close ]| PAGE | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | INTRODUCTION | 1 |
| 2. | REGION INFORMATION | 1 |
| 3. | DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY | 3 |
| 3.1. | Industry Value Chain | 8 |
| 3.2. | Geographic Position | 9 |
| 3.3. | Size of the Industry | 17 |
| 4. | LOCAL | 20 |
| 4.1. | State of the Industry | 20 |
| 4.2. | Key Trends | 24 |
| 4.3. | Key Issues | 25 |
| 4.4. | Notable Players | 25 |
| 4.5. | Trade | 31 |
| 4.6. | Corporate Actions | 33 |
| 4.7. | Regulations | 38 |
| 4.8. | Enterprise Development and Social Development | 39 |
| 5. | AFRICA | 40 |
| 6. | INTERNATIONAL | 42 |
| 7. | INFLUENCING FACTORS | 45 |
| 7.1. | Economic Environment | 45 |
| 7.2. | Lack of Infrastructure | 46 |
| 7.3. | Security Risks | 47 |
| 7.4. | Labour | 47 |
| 7.5. | Environmental Issues | 49 |
| 7.6. | Input Costs | 50 |
| 7.7. | Government Support | 50 |
| 7.8. | Technology, R&D and Innovation | 51 |
| 7.9. | Unforeseen Events | 51 |
| 8. | COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT | 51 |
| 8.1. | Competition | 51 |
| 8.2. | Ownership Structure of the Industry | 51 |
| 8.3. | Barriers to Entry | 52 |
| 9. | INDUSTRY SUMMARY | 52 |
| 10. | OUTLOOK | 53 |
| 11. | INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS | 53 |
| 12. | REFERENCES | 53 |
| 12.1. | Publications | 53 |
| 12.2. | Websites | 54 |
| APPENDIX 1 - SUMMARY OF NOTABLE PLAYERS | 56 | |
| Exploration & Development and Mining Companies in West Africa | 56 | |
| COMPANY PROFILES | 63 | |
| AngloGold Ashanti Ltd | 63 | |
| ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd | 69 | |
| Asante Gold Corporation | 71 | |
| B2Gold Corporation | 74 | |
| Barrick Gold Corporation | 78 | |
| Endeavour Mining PLC | 83 | |
| Firefinch Ltd | 89 | |
| Fortuna Silver Mines Inc | 91 | |
| Gold Fields Ghana Ltd | 94 | |
| GoldStone Resources Ltd | 97 | |
| Hummingbird Resources PLC | 100 | |
| IAMGOLD Corporation | 104 | |
| Leo Lithium Ltd | 109 | |
| Managem S.A. | 111 | |
| Marampa Mines Ltd | 115 | |
| Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd | 117 | |
| Orano S.A. | 120 | |
| Orezone Gold Corporation | 125 | |
| SIMFER S.A. | 127 | |
| Societe des Mines de Fer de Guinee SA | 128 | |
| Societe Miniere de Boke | 130 | |
| Societe Miniere de DASA S.A. | 132 | |
| Thor Explorations Ltd | 134 | |
| Tietto Minerals Ltd | 137 | |
| United Company RUSAL, International Public Joint-Stock Company | 139 | |
| Western Cluster Ltd | 145 |
