Gold-Producing Countries in Africa

·         Ghana: Regaining the Top Spot

·         South Africa: A Major Player in the Industry

·         Sudan: Significant Growth Despite Challenges

·         Mali: Consistent Production Amidst Uncertainty

·         Burkina Faso: Dynamic Sector Growth

Ghana: Regaining the Top Spot

Ghana has recently  regained its position as Africa’s top gold producer, with a remarkable 32 per cent increase in gold production in 2022. The country’s gold output was reported at 90,000.000 kg in December 2022, marking a significant growth from the previous year.

Key contributors to this growth include the commencement of the Bibiani mine and increased output from the Edikan, Chirano, and Obuasi mines. This growth has propelled  Ghana to not only the summit in Africa but also the 10th biggest producer globally.

South Africa: A Major Player in the Industry

South Africa, once the top gold producer, continues to be a significant player in the industry. Harmony Gold Mining, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Sibanye Stillwater, and Northam Platinum stand out as the primary gold producers in South Africa.

The country, which was once the leading global gold producer until the mid-2000s, has now slipped to the eighth position. According to Statistica estimates for 2022, South Africa produced an approximate  110 metric tons of gold. The output from South Africa’s gold mining industry, with a history spanning 130 years, has been on a decline for more than two decades.

However, the country’s gold production has seen a   year-on-year increaseof 2.2 per cent as of October 2023. Notable mines like Mponeng and South Deep contribute to this uptick in production.

In the first quarter of 2023, South Africa reported a 13 per cent increase in production, with Gold Fields’ managed production increasing by 12 per cent. The country stands as the world’s eighth-largest producer of gold in 2022, with a 3 per cent increase in output compared to 2021.

Sudan: Significant Growth Despite Challenges

Sudan has experienced a varied production in recent years but remains a key gold producer in Africa. In 2022, Sudan’s gold production was reported at 50,000.000 kg.

Despite facing challenges like disruption to artisanal and small-scale mining, the country has become Africa’s third-largest gold producer over the last decade. Official figures showed a record production of 34.5 tonnes last year, with potential stability in 2023 despite  ongoing conflicts.

Mali: Consistent Production Amidst Uncertainty

Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, is expected to reach or even exceed its forecast of 67.7 tonnes of industrial gold production in 2023. Despite some predictions of a decline in industrial gold output, Mali’s gold production is on course to meet or surpass its 2023 projections. This demonstrates the country’s resilience and capability in maintaining a steady gold output amidst varying economic conditions.

Burkina Faso: Dynamic Sector Growth

Burkina Faso’s gold sector has shown dynamic growth over the years. In 2022, the country reached an all-time high gold production of 70,000.000 kg. With the initiation of its inaugural gold refinery, Burkina Faso aims to refine its primary mineral resource on-site, indicating a significant advancement in its mining infrastructure.

The construction of this refinery, alongside other major projects like the Bomboré Gold mine expansion, underscores the country’s ambition to further strengthen its position in the gold mining industry.