Overview of ore deposits and extraction
Iron ore production in Africa is dominated by South Africa, Mauritania and Algeria.[1] Many countries possess iron ore deposits that are as yet untapped/unmined. Countries and companies currently involved in production are listed here; measurements are in tonnes per annum(year).
Deposits
Algeria
Deposits and production in Algeria include:
Angola
Deposits and production in Angola include:
Cameroon
Deposits and production in Cameroon include:
Central African Republic
Deposits and production in Central African Republic include:
- Bambari and Bakala are iron ore deposits located approximately 1,500 km from the sea.[4]
Congo (Brazzaville)
Deposits and production in Congo (Brazzaville) include:
- Mayoko – in 2008 a possible iron ore mine is being considered[5][6] Mayoko is already served by a narrow gauge railway branchline. The company is Exxaro Resources.
- In 2007 privately owned British firm Mining Projects Development said it had found large deposits of iron ore at the Zanaga site in Lekoumou region, in the south of the country. Exploration work suggested there could be 500 million tonnes of ore. In 2008 the Brazzaville government said the project required investment of $2 billion, including a 300 km railway line to the port at Pointe Noire.
- In 2010, a map shows a connection to the Cameroon railway from Mbarga/Mbalam to the port of Kribi.[8]
- Nabeba majority owned by Sundance Resources
- Letioukbala
- Avima[9]
- Badondo
Côte d'Ivoire
Deposits and production in Côte d'Ivoire include:
- deposits in Mount Nimba (on border with Guinea)
- Mount Kalayo
Egypt
Deposits and production in Egypt include:
- El Gedida
- El Bahariya[10]
- Eastern Aswan near the Abo Alrish area hematite has been mined since 1962, but the work has been finished due to economical conditions such as transition of ore, sulfide and shortage of water at that height.
Gabon
Deposits and production in Gabon include:
Ghana
Deposits and production in Ghana include:
- Yendi
- deposits being studied:
Guinea
Deposits and production in Guinea include:
Liberia
Deposits and production in Liberia include:
Libya
Deposits and production in Libya include:
- Proposed railway 800 km long for iron ore transport from the southern city of Sabha to the port at Misrata.
Mali
Deposits and production in Mali include:
Mauritania
Deposits and production in Mauritania include:
Nigeria
Deposits and production in Nigeria include:
Senegal
Deposits and production in Senegal include:
Sierra Leone
Deposits and production in Sierra Leone include:
- Marampa – London Mining – Cape Lambert will need to build 34 km rail spur line to the existing railway.[17] – operational 2012[29] – operational 2012
- Bagla Hills near east and near border with Liberia[30][31]
- Tagrin Point – proposed port
South Africa
Deposits and production include:
- With ~ 38 mm TPA, South Africa is the world's 7th largest producer.[32]
- Kumba Resources / Exxaro – globally ranked producer
- Assmang (company) in Beeshoek, South Africa
- Highveld Steel and Vanadium Company in Mapochs, South Africa
Tunisia
Deposits and production include:
Uganda
Deposits and production in Uganda include:
Zimbabwe
Deposits and production in Zimbabwe include: