AFRICA FOCUS
The relevance of the African mining industry to the global supply chain couldn ' t be overstated . Africa has abundant mineral resources that drive the modern world – from lithium-ion batteries that power many smartphones to vital copper materials used in electrical wiring . Africa has gold , silver , copper , uranium , cobalt , and many other metals that are critical inputs to manufacturing processes worldwide . Yet , as a top producer of these valuable resources , the continent has some of the largest remaining untapped reserves .
Home to about 30 % of the world ' s total mineral reserves , the continent hosts 80 % of the world ' s platinum . Two-thirds of the world ' s cobalt is also found in Africa , while half of the world ' s manganese sits within the continent ' s shores .
Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa possesses up to half of the world ' s cobalt and chromium resources . Zimbabwe holds the world ' s fifth-largest lithium reserves , and Gabon has the world ' s second-largest manganese deposit . If it had translated these resources into riches , Africa would now be in a much stronger economic position .
However , the mining and extractive sector has contributed significantly to Africa ' s exports , revenue , and GDP annually . Indeed , the mining and natural resources sector are critical in driving economic growth and development on the continent but more has to be done . Only about 5 % of global mining production is conducted in Africa , whereas 58 % of the world ' s total mining production is conducted in Asia , 14 % is achieved in North
“ NEW TECHNOLOGIES CAN HELP MINING FIRMS BOOST PRODUCTIVITY ”
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC
OF CONGO
GABON
ZIMBABWE
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