By: Mining review Africa

The African mining sector experienced a dynamic year marked by surging global demand for critical minerals, fluctuating commodity prices, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The continent's immense mineral potential was underscored by record outputs and new investments, yet the challenge of converting this wealth into sustainable growth remained.

Key national performances highlighted this trend:

South Africa's mining sector demonstrated resilience, with a 4.4% year-on-year production increase driven by iron ore (12.2% growth) and Platinum Group Metals (6.2% growth). Gold was a standout performer, with prices surpassing $4,000/oz, boosting producer revenues and enabling significant long-term investments, such as Tharisa Plc's $547 million transition to underground mining.

Zambia reported a robust 30% year-on-year increase in copper production for Q1 2025, reaching 224,000 metric tons. This surge is part of a national strategy to triple annual copper output to 3 million tons by 2031.

Ghana's gold production is projected to grow by 6.25% to 5.1 million ounces in 2025, fueled by new large-scale mines and increased artisanal activity, despite some operational challenges at established sites.

Major industry events like DRC Mining Week and the DRC–Africa Battery Metals Forum emphasized a continent-wide focus on sustainable practices, local value addition, and positioning Africa as a hub for the battery metals essential to the global energy transition. West African nations like Ivory Coast are also expanding exploration, signaling a broader regional diversification and a year of both significant opportunity and persistent challenges.