In Summary
- By the end of 2025, the African mining sector is projected to produce 734.26 billion kg of minerals, with South Africa specifically projected to produce 271.44 billion kg.
- The mining sector is a leading economic driver in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a value exceeding $108 billion in 2023.
- In 2021, the sector accounted for 10% of GDP on average for Africa’s 15 most mineral-rich countries.
- Africa is home to nearly 30% of the world’s mineral resources.
- South Africa leads the pack for top countries with the highest mining activities in Africa.
Deep Dive!!
The African mining sector is a significant economic driver, hosting a large share of global mineral reserves and production, including cobalt, manganese, aluminium, and copper, with South Africa being a dominant player in the region. However, much of the mined minerals are exported in their raw state, and China dominates the global processing capacity for critical minerals.
According to reports, the mining sector in the continent is projected to produce 734.26 billion kg of minerals by the end of 2025, with South Africa specifically projected to produce 271.44 billion kg. However, an annual growth rate of -91.61% is expected for the overall African mining market (CAGR 2025-2030), while South Africa is expected to experience a -1.20% annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029). The sector is valued at over $108 billion, with some mineral-rich countries seeing the sector account for 10% of GDP on average.
Currently, Africa is home to nearly 30% of the world’s mineral resources as the continent produces a large percentage of the world’s output of certain minerals, including; Cobalt (70%), Diamonds (51.6%), Phosphates (79%), Uranium (17%), Bauxite (24%), Copper (12%), and Manganese (51%).
African-owned mining companies are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the continent’s economy. With leaders like Bridgette Radebe, Patrice Motsepe, and Othman Benjelloun at the forefront, these enterprises are breaking barriers and proving that African entrepreneurs can dominate the global mining sector. Here are ten prominent top 10 Mining Companies in Africa’s Natural Resources Sector 2025.
Here are the top 10 Mining Companies in Africa’s Natural Resources Sector 2025. Check them out!
10. Chamber of Mines of Namibia (COMN)—Namibia: Established as a collective body of Namibian mining stakeholders in 1969, the Chamber of Mines of Namibia is not a mining company per se but a powerful organization that represents Namibian-owned mining companies and industry stakeholders. While many multinational corporations operate in Namibia, COMN has been instrumental in ensuring that locally owned mining companies thrive and contribute to national economic growth. Some of the chamber’s key members include Namdeb Holdings (a diamond mining partnership between the Namibian government and De Beers) and B2Gold Namibia.
9. Managem Group—Morocco: Founded by Othman Benjelloun in 1930, Managem Group is a subsidiary of the Moroccan conglomerate Société Nationale d’Investissement (SNI), is one of Africa’s largest mining companies. Founded by Othman Benjelloun, it specializes in the exploration, extraction, and production of various minerals, including gold, silver, cobalt, copper, and zinc. The company operates in several African countries, including Morocco, Gabon, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the years, Managem has focused on sustainable mining practices and technological innovation, ensuring efficiency in its operations. The company has invested in major projects, such as the Tri-K gold mine in Guinea, and has played a critical role in Morocco’s mining sector. Managem has received multiple certifications for its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining on the continent.
8. Acacia Mining—Tanzania: Founded in 2000, Acacia Mining was originally part of Barrick Gold Corporation. It was formerly known as African Barrick Gold, as a subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation. The company operated primarily in Tanzania, with three gold mines: Bulyanhulu, North Mara, and Buzwagi. Acacia played a crucial role in Tanzania’s gold production until its operations were fully acquired by Barrick in 2019.
7. Randgold Resources—Mali: Founded by Dr Mark Bristow in 1995, Randgold Resources focused on gold mining operations in West and Central Africa, particularly in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and the DRC. The company’s significant achievements include the development of the Morila, Loulo, and Gounkoto mines. In 2019, Randgold merged with Barrick Gold Corporation, creating one of the world’s largest gold mining companies.
6. Banro Corporation—Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Canadian entrepreneur Arnold Kondrat founded Banro Corporation in 1996, focusing on gold exploration and production in the DRC. The company’s primary assets include the Twangiza and Namoya gold mines. Banro has played a significant role in developing the gold mining sector in the eastern DRC, despite facing various operational challenges over the years.
5. African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)—South Africa: Established by Patrice Motsepe in 1997, African Rainbow Minerals is a diversified mining and minerals company with interests in gold, ferrous metals, base metals, and platinum. ARM has grown through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, becoming one of South Africa’s leading mining companies. Motsepe’s vision and leadership have been pivotal in ARM’s success and contribution to the mining industry.
4. Shanta Gold—Tanzania: Founded by Tanzanian entrepreneur Ketan Patel in 2001, Shanta Gold is a gold mining company with operations primarily in Tanzania. The company’s flagship asset is the New Luika Gold Mine, which commenced production in 2012. Shanta Gold has focused on sustainable and responsible mining practices, contributing to local communities and the Tanzanian economy.
3. Eyesizwe Mining—South Africa: Eyesizwe Mining was established in 1999 by Sipho Nkosi and his partners, focusing on coal mining operations. The company played a significant role in the transformation of South Africa’s mining industry, promoting black ownership and management in the sector. Eyesizwe’s success laid the foundation for future ventures and contributed to the broader economic empowerment initiatives within the country.
2. Kalagadi Manganese—South Africa: Co-founded by Daphne Mashile-Nkosi in 2001, Kalagadi Manganese focuses on the exploration and production of manganese in the Kalahari Basin, Northern Cape, South Africa. The company holds new order mining rights on three farms with approximately 960 million tonnes of manganese ore deposits. Mashile-Nkosi’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning Kalagadi Manganese as a key player in the manganese mining industry.
1. Mmakau Mining—South Africa: Founded in the 1980s by visionary entrepreneur Bridgette Radebe, Mmakau Mining began as a contract mining company, managing shafts and procurement for major mining houses. Under Radebe’s leadership, the company transitioned in the early 1990s to owning and developing its mining assets. Today, Mmakau Mining is a significant player in Africa’s mining sector, with interests spanning gold, platinum, uranium, coal, chrome, and exploration activities across the continent.
https://www.africanexponent.com/top-10-african-owned-mining-companies/
