sWe profile the top gold producers on the African continent, from Ghana to Burkina Faso.
1. Ghana – 142.4 Tonnes
Ghana, one of the Dark Continent’s top gold-mining countries, surpassed South Africa to take the top rank in 2019, extracting more than 142 metric tonnes of the precious metal.
Kinross Gold (Chirano mine), Newmont Goldscorp (Akyem and Ahafo mines), AngloGolds Ashanti (Obuasi and Iduapriem mines), Golds Fields (works the Tarkwa gold mine), and Asanko Gold (work the Tarkwa gold mine) are among the main firms contributing to Ghana’s gold production (Asanko mine).
Ghana’s mineral exports make for 37% of the country’s total exports, with golds accounting for 90% of overall mineral exports. Ghana’s gold reserves are estimated to be 1,000 metric tonnes.
2. South Africa – 118.2 Tonnes
South Africa has lost its African top ranking to Ghana due to declining gold ore grades over the last eight decades. Golds production fell to 118 metric tonnes in 2019, down from 137 metric tonnes the year before.
The Witwatersrand Basin, a South African subsurface geological structure, is home to one of the world’s greatest golds placer deposits. South Deep (now owned by Harmony Golds and the world’s largest gold mine in terms of reserves), Mponeng (managed by AngloGold Ashanti and the world’s deepest mine), and Driefontein are among the country’s top gold mines (owned by Sibanye-Stillwater). Kromdraai, South Africa’s oldest mine, is now a popular tourist destination.
According to 2018 MiningGlobal data, despite declining golds reserves, South Africa still has 6,000 metric tonnes (the world’s second-largest).
3. Sudan – 76.6 Tonnes
Sudan, a country in north-east Africa, ranks third on this list. Producing more than 76 metric tonnes of golds in 2019. However, this was a significant decrease from the 93 tonnes produced the previous year and the 107 tonnes produced in 2017. However, the Sudanese government claims annual golds production of 120-200 tonnes.
Sudanese golds is discovered in the Eriab region of the Nuba mountains, along the alluvial regions of the Nile River, and quartz vein formations in Obaidiya, the Blue Nile region, and North Kurdufan, and has been one of Africa’s top golds producers for years.
Sudan’s golds mines include the Hassai gold mine (owned by Sudan’s Arab Mining Company and Canada’s La Mancha Resources). And the Block 14 open pit mine project (managed by Canada’s Orca Golds). Sudan is Africa’s third-largest country by area.
4. Mali – 71.1 Tonnes
Mali, a country in northwestern Africa, produced more than 71 metric tonnes of golds in 2019, up from 61.2 tonnes the previous year, putting it fourth on our list of the continent’s top gold producers. Mali’s gold mining operations include not just huge mining enterprises. But also small-scale miners who have generated a significant amount of gold and contributed significantly to the country’s economy.
Morila (managed by the Government of Mali, AngloGold’s Ashanti, and Barrick Golds), Sadiola (managed by the Government of Mali, AngloGolds Ashanti, and LamGold), Loulo-Gounkoto (managed by Barrick Gold), and Yatela (managed by Barrick Gold) are among its gold mines (managed by Government of Mali, AngloGold Ashanti and LamGold).
According to the Norwegian website Eiti.org, Mali has 800 metric tonnes of golds deposits.
5. Burkina Faso – 62 Tonnes
Burkina Faso is ranked fifth on our list, with 62 metric tonnes of golds produced in 2019. Faso’s other important resources include copper, zinc, limestone, manganese, and phosphate. And it is said to have one of the most vibrant mining sectors in West Africa.
Kalsaka (owned and operated by Banlaw Africa Limited), Youga (owned and operated jointly by the Government of Burkina Faso. And Etruscan Resource), Karma (owned and operated by Endeavour Mining), Mana (owned and operated by Semafo). Yaramoko (owned and operated by Roxgold), Taparko-Boroum (owned and operated by Société des Mines de Taparko SA), Essakane (owned and operated by IAMGOLD).
